Literacy
Writing at Collingwood
At Collingwood, we aim to develop confident, enthusiastic and independent writers who can communicate effectively for a range of purposes and audiences. We believe that writing is a fundamental skill which enables children to express their ideas and communicate their understanding across the curriculum. Our writing curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to write in response to high-quality literature and meaningful experiences, developing their creativity alongside the knowledge and skills needed to become successful writers.
Our writing curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that pupils build upon their prior learning and develop secure foundational knowledge and skills. Long-term and medium-term planning identifies the intended writing outcomes and the specific knowledge pupils need to achieve them. New learning is explicitly taught, with regular opportunities to revisit and apply previously taught skills so that knowledge becomes embedded and pupils develop increasing confidence and independence.
How do we teach writing?
Our writing sequences draw upon the core principles of Talk for Writing, supporting pupils as they move from dependence towards independence. High-quality texts provide models of effective writing and allow children to explore how authors use language to achieve particular effects. Through carefully planned lessons, pupils develop their understanding of different genres and learn how to apply the features of these in their own writing.
Teachers use explicit instruction alongside shared and modelled writing to demonstrate the process of constructing effective sentences and paragraphs. Guided writing provides additional opportunities for pupils to practise new skills with targeted support before applying them independently. Throughout each sequence, pupils are encouraged to reflect upon their writing and develop the skills needed to revise and edit their work, with a particular emphasis on improving accuracy.
Vocabulary development is an important part of our approach. Pupils are introduced to ambitious and purposeful vocabulary through the texts they encounter and the writing they produce. Vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited, helping children make increasingly effective choices in their own writing.
Developing Secure Foundational Skills
We recognise that successful writing depends upon pupils developing secure foundational knowledge and skills. Grammar and punctuation are taught explicitly through carefully planned progression, ensuring that pupils understand how to construct accurate sentences before applying more complex structures. Previously taught knowledge is regularly revisited within writing sequences, allowing pupils to strengthen their understanding and apply their learning with greater independence.
Transcription is a key priority throughout the school, including across Key Stage 2.
We recognise that pupils need to develop fluency and accuracy in handwriting and spelling so that they can focus their attention on the content and composition of their writing. Clear progression in transcription skills, from Foundation Stage through to Upper Key Stage 2, ensures that these essential skills continue to be taught, practised and embedded as pupils move through the school. High expectations for handwriting and presentation are reinforced through consistent approaches and initiatives such as handwriting awards and pen licences.
Particular attention is given to developing writing accuracy, especially for pupils working towards age-related expectations and those working at pre-key-stage standards. Teaching is adapted to meet individual needs, with shared and guided writing providing opportunities for pupils to secure essential knowledge before progressing to more independent tasks. Assessment is used to identify gaps in learning and ensure that teaching is appropriately matched to pupils' next steps. This enables all pupils to access meaningful writing opportunities while making progress from their individual starting points.
Writing Across the Curriculum
We believe that writing should have a meaningful purpose beyond English lessons. Pupils are provided with opportunities to apply their writing knowledge across the wider curriculum, using their skills to communicate understanding in different subjects. These opportunities allow children to revisit previously taught knowledge while developing an understanding of how writing changes according to its purpose and audience.
Our overall aim is for pupils to leave Collingwood as confident writers who have the knowledge and skills to communicate accurately and effectively. We want children to take pride in their writing and recognise its value as a means of expressing their ideas throughout their education and beyond.
The writing curriculum consists of:
- Carefully sequenced, text-led writing units with clearly identified outcomes and progression in knowledge and skills.
- Explicit teaching of new knowledge, with regular opportunities to revisit and embed prior learning.
- High-quality literary models, including fiction, non-fiction and poetry, which inspire and challenge pupils.
- Shared and modelled writing that demonstrates the processes involved in effective composition.
- Guided writing and adapted provision to support pupils working towards age-related expectations and at pre-key-stage standards.
- A systematic approach to teaching grammar and punctuation, supported by clear progression documents.
- A continued focus on transcription, ensuring handwriting and spelling skills are developed and secured throughout KS1 and KS2.
- Opportunities to develop vocabulary and apply it purposefully within writing.
- Explicit teaching of revising and editing, with a focus on improving accuracy and effectiveness.
- Meaningful opportunities to write for different purposes and audiences across the curriculum.
