Writing at Harbury
At Harbury C of E Primary School, our English curriculum is meticulously designed to cultivate a deep love of writing and empower our learners to become proficient and confident communicators. The recommendations from the DfE's 'Telling the Story' report emphasize the importance of a coherent and progressive approach to writing, underpinned by high expectations and the development of a strong foundational skill set. Drawing on these findings, our writing curriculum is carefully structured to ensure that every child, regardless of their starting point, is equipped to articulate their thoughts effectively, creatively, and with grammatical precision.
Our text-based approach is central to this vision, providing a rich context for writing that engages and motivates our pupils. By immersing students in high-quality texts, we expose them to a diverse range of genres and writing styles, encouraging them to explore and emulate different narrative voices. This method not only helps in developing genre-specific conventions but also fosters a love for reading, which is intrinsically linked to the quality of writing. From the early stages in EYFS, where mark-making and phonics lay the groundwork, to the more complex writing tasks in Key Stage 2, our curriculum ensures that every child experiences a well-rounded and comprehensive journey in writing.
The 'Telling the Story' report highlights the necessity of a structured writing process, which we have implemented across all key stages at Harbury. This process involves careful planning, drafting, revising, and publishing, with a strong emphasis on editing to refine and enhance the quality of writing. We teach discrete grammar and punctuation skills in context, allowing pupils to see the relevance and application of these skills in their own writing. Through regular opportunities for oral storytelling, peer feedback, and performance, we ensure that our students understand the purpose of their writing and the impact it can have on an audience. This not only raises the standards of writing but also builds the confidence of our learners as they see themselves as authors capable of entertaining, informing, and persuading.
By the end of Key Stage 2, we aim for all our children to have achieved Age-Related Expectations (ARE), with many progressing to Greater Depth (GD) through a consistent application of the writing process. Our intent is that every child leaves Harbury C of E Primary School with a robust and transferable set of writing skills, which they can confidently apply across the curriculum and in their future educational journeys. We believe that our carefully planned and executed approach to writing not only meets the expectations set out in national guidelines but also instills a lifelong appreciation for the written word.
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