What is the intent of writing at Mandeville Primary School?

At Mandeville Primary School, we aim to ensure that all pupils:

• Write coherently ensuring that all their writing makes sense and exhibits the features of the genre of writing they are studying.
• Develop a clear, legible handwriting progressing towards a joined cursive script when appropriate.
• Develop an enjoyment of writing and confidence for a range of purposes and audiences.
• Have a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions needed for reading, writing and spoken language
• Appreciate a rich and varied range of literature.

How is writing organised at Mandeville Primary School?

Phonics

Over a sustained period of time, the school has achieved excellent outcomes through using the ‘Smart Kids’ programme to guide the teaching and learning sequence. The programme sets out a detailed and systematic, synthetic programme for teaching phonic skills through five overlapping phases. It engages children and keeps them motivated to learn, which are clear drivers in raising achievement. The school has responded to DfE guidance by adapting provision and aligning books carefully to match the teaching and learning sequence.

Professional development has always been prioritised and so all staff are trained in the ‘Smart Kids’ framework, enabling them to feel confident in their teaching of the daily sessions. During phonics sessions, children participate in reading and writing elements. Children in EYFS and Year 1 participate in daily phonics sessions, with segmenting taught to support spelling and early writing.

Spelling

From Year Two upwards, teachers follow the HFL Essential Spelling Programme. Key Stage Two have been using this resource since September 2019 and there has been an improvement in spelling across all years. The programme sets out a teaching and learning sequence ensuring that all statutory requirements are taught and reviewing previous learning to support retention and progression. Spelling sessions are completed a minimum of 4 times a week for 20 minutes. Sessions are engaging and designed to motivate children. There are a range of different resources available to support teaching and learning.

Writing

The school has a history of positive outcomes in writing. HFL Essential Writing plans are followed from Nursery onwards, providing a structured approach to teaching a range of genres with the use of high-quality texts. Key texts have been identified for each year group, ensuring that pupils experience a varied and age-appropriate selection of literature. Texts are carefully chosen to support progression and avoid unnecessary repetition across year groups. Teachers also have the flexibility to adapt their planning in response to the needs and interests of their class.

Handwriting

Fine and gross motor skills are developed in EYFS. Children are taught patterns and letter shapes through gross and fine motor development. A tripod grasp pencil grip is encouraged from Nursery. Handwriting/finger-strengthening activities are taught from EYFS and the ‘Teach Handwriting’ resource is used across the school. This resource identifies the sequence of mark making and letters to teach with resources available. Handwriting or finger-strengthening activities occur daily in Year One. Children in Year Two are taught handwriting a minimum of 3 times a week. They are taught cursive with some joins when appropriate. In Lower Key Stage 2 children are taught how to join all letters. Handwriting lessons are completed regularly. Pens are introduced in Year Four. In Upper Key Stage Two children are encouraged to develop their own style of joined handwriting while maintaining high standards of presentation.