Writing

English lessons are the cornerstones of all learning. At St Laurence, we plan and teach our lessons following the National Curriculum. During our English lessons, children are encouraged to develop and express their thoughts and ideas, through drama, role play and discussion, in a range of whole class, group and paired opportunities. 

Reading and Writing are taught seamlessly as part of one learning journey. Teachers take quality, ambitious texts and skillfully use them to plot a learning journey covering a wide range of Reading and Writing opportunities linked to the National Curriculum, which are appropriate for each year group. 
Reading Comprehension skills are also planned as part of the whole class reading lessons. We deliver the punctuation and grammar aspects of the National curriculum through our taught Writing sessions. These sessions are integrated into the English learning journey, with the aim of seeing these skills improve and being applied to children’s writing. The aim of writing is to enable pupils to use a wide range of vocabulary, have a clear structure to their writing and suit the purpose and reader. Pupils are encouraged to develop ideas, plan and review writing and discuss with peers and adults, the quality of their written work. 

The Spelling element of the National Curriculum is also taught discretely, our spelling lessons allow for both the retrieval and progression of spelling knowledge and strategies. Our aim is to immerse our learners in a language rich environment which encourages them to use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar, spelt accurately and used effectively within their writing across the curriculum. Spelling skills, as outlined in the 2014 National Curriculum, are developed through a series of weekly lessons focused on spelling rules and patterns across each year group. At the end of each week, children participate in a weekly spelling test to consolidate their knowledge and understanding. We also have half termly spelling tests with a focus on the words they have learnt in that half term.

Handwriting is highly valued and we have a whole school approach to a joined style, which teachers model and support. All children across the school can earn their pen licence by being consistently neat and joined throughout all of their work. Achievement of a Pen Licence is celebrated in a whole school assembly where they receive a certificate and their writing pen.

Grammar Guide for adults

 A link to a parent-friendly website, explaining all of the grammar and punctuation terminology that primary school children need to know.

https://www.theschoolrun.com/primary-grammar-glossary-parents