Writing

Phonics is taught through the Little Wandle synthetic phonics programme (see our phonics page).

At Peakirk, we believe that children should be passionate writers who possess a natural flair for creativity, where their words are like artwork. They should confidently communicate their knowledge, ideas and emotions through their purposeful writing to make a positive impact in their local community and the wider world.

We believe writing is an art form where good writers are good readers. We encourage children to be authors in their own right, developing their styles through 'magpying' their ideas from other strong examples. We intend for all learners to be confident to explore and present a range of text types by understanding the genre and key features, adding their own unique style and writing 'signature' to them. We also intend to create writers who can re-read, edit and improve their own writing, and enable pupils to be able to confidently use the essential skills of grammar, punctuation and spelling.

At our school all children explore a rich variety of fiction, non-fiction and poetry throughout Key Stage One and Key Stage Two.  From Years 1-6 we plan carefully structured 2 - 3 week writing units that focus on developing key skills appropriate for each year group.  Each unit is inspired by a high quality text, chosen to engage, challenge and inspire our learners. 

Each unit begins with children analysing the model text, identifying its features and understanding what makes it effective.  They are then explicitly taught grammar and writing skills, which they practice and apply independently.  Children also develop the vocabulary needed to craft their final piece of writing, supported by opportunities to plan their ideas in detail.  At the end of each unit, pupils complete an independent piece of writing. This allows them to demonstrate how well they can apply the skills they have learned. 

Following this, the children take part in editing lessons, where they refine their work - improving both the specific skills taught in the unit and their overall accuracy and presentation.  Over the year children are given opportunities to publish their writing. 

Our handwriting follows the Wandle scheme until the end of Year Two.  From here we follow the PDET Trust approach, progressing to continuous, cursive writing.  In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children focus on correct letter formation alongside their phonics learning, using the Little Wandle scheme.  This scheme is also followed in Year One, where their writing has a two week structured approach that supports the development of the key skills of writing coherent sentences. 

Spelling is taught systematically across the school.  Each year group has a set of key words to learn following a spelling scheme and staff deliver regular spelling sessions that build on phonics knowledge and spelling rules.  Little Wandle is followed up to Year Two and Spelling Shed in Key Stage Two.  These approaches ensure children develop strong and confident spelling skills that support all aspects of their writing.

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