Saviour CofE Primary School

At Saviour, our aim is to develop creative and effective writers that can independently write across different text types. Our curriculum is designed to enthuse, inspire and motivate our pupils to write.  High-quality texts stand at the core of our English planning, as we strive to intrinsically integrate the teaching of reading and writing. We create a culture where children take pride in their writing and endeavour to write clearly and accurately, whilst selecting and adapting their language and style to suit the context, audience and purpose. Using the Talk for Writing approach we place a high priority on oral retelling, which enables language structures and techniques to be embedded in the long-term memory so that the children can later apply these structures to their independent writing. Units of work are based upon a high-quality text, that includes the key language features to be introduced and embedded. We strive for our learning environments to be supportive and calm. By the end of Key Stage 2, we aim for all children to be able to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas effectively with an awareness of the purpose and audience.

Handwriting is taught discretely using BC Education's progression document and scheme of work. Lessons are short and regular to ensure fluency is developed. Handwriting books are used across all subjects to reinforce correct handwriting at all times. Resources are available and adjustments are made to ensure all children are successful.

English Curriculum Overview

•  We have invested heavily in providing a wide variety of high-quality books, as we value the impact a varied reading diet will have on the children’s writing.
• Children have the opportunity to independently apply the skills and techniques taught in English when writing in other subject areas, and produce meaningful writing with a real audience and purpose.
• We have close links with Manchester libraries and classes regularly visit the local libraries for author visits, workshops and performances.
• We celebrate World Poetry Day and have poetry workshops run by a poet, in each class, every year.
• Children are provided with rich experiences, such as trips or visitors, to inspire and provide a context for writing.
• Issues that are important to the children (both local, national and global) are used to provide meaningful contexts for writing.
• Children across the school regularly take part in National writing competitions
• Writing efforts and achievements are acknowledged and rewarded in whole-school assemblies