Writing

Curriculum

Our curriculum is derived around high-quality age-appropriate stimuli. This could include; texts, videos, images or music. We use these to generate ‘buzz and excitement’ in lessons, creating opportunities to develop oracy, reading fluency and comprehension. Grammar is mapped by genre and year group, based on the new National Curriculum Expectations. Children revisit these genres across the year and their school-life in order to deepen their mastery. In Key Stage 1, children focus on a narrower range of genres heavily based on familiar stories, experiences and knowledge so that they can concentrate more fully on developing the craft of writing. During Key Stage 2, children broaden their experiences of different genres and have the opportunity to develop their writing skills across a range of subjects.

Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar

Spelling, punctuation and grammar are embedded within the writing curriculum so that children learn skills and use them in context. However, spelling is also taught explicitly in each year group. In Key Stage 1, spelling is a focus of Phonics teaching, which is taught using Read Write Inc materials. In Key Stage 2, Children revisit and focus on the statutory spellings.

Click on the links below to see the statutory spellings for each year group:

Year 1 – Statutory spellings

Year 2 – Statutory spellings

Year 3 and 4  – Statutory spellings

 Year 5 and 6 – Statutory spellings

Handwriting

We teach children to use a continuous cursive style of handwriting. They start with individual letter formation and correct pencil grip in EYFS. Children begin to join when their letter formation is secure; usually from the end of year 1. Children are expected to produce neat, joined legible handwriting at all times. If you would like to see our Handwriting policy and example of handwriting per year group, click on the link below.

Teach Handwriting at home.

Vocabulary

Here at Harlesden we are currently having a big push and focus on vocabulary. The more words your child knows, the easier they will find it to understand ideas, tasks and join in with conversations, write well and express themselves accurately. When children have a very small vocabulary it is hard for them to access information independently.

There are many ways you can help your child expand their vocabulary:

1. Talk, talk, talk - and listen

One of the best ways to help your child increase their vocabulary is to talk to them. Talk over dinner, talk when you are out and about, talk as you read a book.  Use interesting words as you talk such as ‘I know you’re exhausted, but try and persevere’, ‘That dress is exquisite’ and so on. Get your child to respond on full sentences.

2. Encourage reading

The more your child reads, the more words they read. If they are reading fiction, they might be reading interesting descriptions. If they are reading non-fiction, they will be reading key topic words. If your child reads a wide range of different books, they will come across a wide range of vocabulary.

3. Talk about homework

As you support your child with their homework, check for understanding of any words you come across.

4. Watch Newsround

Watch BBC Newsround and documentaries with your child. Discuss the ideas you’ve learnt about and clarify the meaning of any new vocabulary. Encourage your child to talk about what you have watched, using the new vocabulary.

BBC Newsround

Useful Websites

BBC Bitesize KS1

BBC Bitesize KS2

Creative Writing at home.

If you require any further information about our English Writing curriculum, please contact the school and our subject leader will get back to you.

Email: homelearning@harlesden.brent.sch.uk

Phone: 0208 9657445