Writing

Writing is a greatly valued skill at Melbourn and something which we encourage our children to take great pride in.

Writing has a clear sequence that is taught across the school. We start by immersing the children in a model text. We discuss the genre, key vocabulary, structure and language. In this part of the sequence we do things like act out key moments, recite parts of the text, retell the text with pictures or puppets or hot seat characters. In the second part of the sequence is a shared write. Here teachers model high quality writing for each section of a text. The teacher will discuss possible sentences, encouraging the children to suggest words and ideas. This empowers the children to apply what has been modelled to their own writing. The children then write their own version of the same part of the text. In the final part of the sequence the children plan and write their own version of the text in the same style as the modelled text.

Please see the English Policy below for more information about writing.

Early Years pupils access a similar approach at their level which builds their understanding of vocabulary and increases their sentence structure. There is a strong focus on oral retelling in the early years.  

Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG):

The teaching of grammar and punctuation is embedded into all writing lessons and often applied in foundation subjects. Children in years 5 and 6 are set grammar homework.

All children from year 1 onwards are taught how to edit their own writing and how to collaboratively improve their own and other’s writing.

We follow the RWInc scheme for spelling. A spelling lesson is taught every day for around 15 minutes. This teaches the spelling rules the children need to know and the common exception words (red/orange words). The spelling rule that has been taught that week is sent home along with some words so the children can practice at home.

Handwriting:

Handwriting is taught at least three times a week. We feel it is really important to teach the children  handwriting so they are able to form letters confidently. This improves writing confidence.