Spelling
Children learn spellings through the Little Wandle Phonics Programme in Key Stage One, until they are ready to progress onto the Government Spelling Appendix.
We use the ATT Way guidance to teach spellings.
Handwriting
We feel it is important to support children to develop neat, attractive and consistent handwriting. The development of an efficient, legible style assists pupils in all forms of written recording. We want to help children with layout, presentation and the way they organise themselves on paper. We appreciate that some children find this more difficult than others and will offer additional support or alternative ways of recording when necessary.
As soon as pupils are able to orientate their letters correctly, they are taught how to join their letters. Short, focused handwriting sessions are taught on a regular basis. Handwriting has a high focus and a high status at our school.
At our school, we follow the Nelson Handwriting scheme to ensure a clear, consistent and progressive approach to handwriting from Year 1 through to Year 6.
Nelson Handwriting is a well-established, structured programme that helps children develop accurate letter formation, fluency and confidence, enabling them to write neatly, efficiently and with pride.
Writing
From Years 1 to 6, our writing lessons follow the Grammarsaurus writing scheme, which enables children to develop their writing skills across a wide range of genres. Writing is taught through carefully planned units that incorporate modelled, shared and guided writing, ensuring that children are well supported at each stage of the writing process.
The teaching and learning of grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS) is closely linked to our writing units through a bespoke curriculum, designed by our staff to maximise learning and reflect the local area and community.
Our English curriculum is carefully planned around high‑quality core text stimuli, with explicit links made between English, History, Geography and Science. This cross‑curricular approach allows children to apply their writing skills in meaningful contexts, deepening understanding and supporting long‑term learning.
