Writing at the Hythe
Intent
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The writing curriculum is designed to inspire a genuine love for writing and foster imagination, encouraging children to bring creative ideas to their work. The intent is to equip pupils with foundational skills in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and composition, while developing an understanding of the end-to-end writing process, including proofreading and editing. Furthermore, the curriculum seeks to nurture articulate, confident communicators who take pride in their writing and engage effectively in discussions. We aim to promote a love of reading for our children and recognise that reading impacts positively upon the quality of writing produced. Pupils have opportunities to express their own understanding of what they read and learn about, as well as ask questions to clarify their understanding. Children develop secure phonetic knowledge that leads them into becoming fluent readers who read from a variety of texts for pleasure. |
Implementation
Writing instruction follows the Ready, Steady, Write scheme, providing a structured, ambitious curriculum anchored in high-quality literature and visual stimuli. Units are delivered over each half term using a clear sequence of Immerse, Analyse, Plan, and Write, leading to both fiction and non-fiction outcomes alongside incidental writing tasks and Daily Sentence Accuracy exercises. Writing is contextualized across various audiences and linked directly to subjects such as Science, History, and Geography. The approach prioritises vocabulary acquisition and contextual grammar instruction ("Writer's Knowledge"), complemented by systematic spelling programs—Little Wandle in EYFS and Year 1, transitioning to Spelling Shed in Key Stage 2. Strong oracy practices, including hot-seating, debates, partner talk, and roleplay, reinforce the relationship between speaking, reading, and writing. Children also refine their presentation through the Nelson Handwriting scheme and develop independent proofreading, editing, and publishing skills. Writing opportunities are planned into all foundation subjects to give children the opportunity to apply their writing skills.
Impact
As a result of this curriculum, pupils are engaged and thoughtful learners who produce imaginative writing using ambitious vocabulary and figurative language. Children continuously build on their prior learning to make progress from their individual starting points, demonstrating well-presented and high-quality work in various forms. Additionally, pupils refine their articulation and communication skills, taking pride in their writing through deliberate choices in language and presentation to appeal to their audience.
The Writing curriculum is evaluated through:
- End of Keystage Moderation both internal and across Surrey
- Termly assessment data
- Book looks
- Use of 'No More Marking'
Teaching and learning is evaluated by learning walks, drop-ins, moderation sessions, pupil interviews and work scrutinies.
