What is the intent of writing at Mandeville Primary School?
At Mandeville Primary School, we aim to ensure that all pupils:
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. It sets out a detailed and systematic, synthetic programme for teaching phonic skills through six 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 modifying provision and aligning books carefully to 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. EYFS and Year 1 have daily phonics sessions. The segmenting part of phonics is used for 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 a marked improvement in spelling across all years. The programme sets out a teaching and learning sequence ensuring that all statutory requirements are taught, as well as reviewing previous learning. Spelling sessions are completed a minimum of 4 times a week for 20 minutes. Sessions are engaging and children are well motivated. There are a range of different resources available.
Writing
The school has had good results for writing over a long period of time. The HFL Education long-term plans are followed from Year 1 upwards, ensuring that a range of genre is studied and a variety of high quality texts used. Key texts have been identified for each year group. Texts are therefore identified as age related and not repeated. There is also the opportunity for teachers to respond to the class needs in various genre.
Handwriting
Fine motor skills are developed in EYFS. Children are taught patterns and letter shapes through gross and fine motor development. In Year 1, a tripod grasp pencil grip is taught, and ‘Teach Handwriting’ resource is used. This resource identifies the sequence of letters to teach with resources available. Daily handwriting lessons occur in Key Stage One. Children in Year 2 are taught to join when appropriate. In Lower Key Stage 2 all children are expected to be able to join all letters. Handwriting lessons are completed regularly.