At Hawkchurch Primary School, we aim to inspire a love for writing in all our students. Our writing curriculum is designed to foster creativity, develop strong communication skills, and build confidence in expressing ideas. We strive to provide a supportive environment where every student can explore their unique voice and achieve excellence in writing.

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” 

— William Wordsworth

At Hawkchurch, we believe that all pupils should be able to confidently communicate their knowledge, ideas and emotions through their writing and develop as creative and fluent writers. We want pupils to acquire a wide vocabulary, a solid understanding of grammar and be able to spell new words by effectively applying the spelling patterns and rules. We want them to write accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences, using their exposure to specific texts to influence their writing. We believe that all pupils should be encouraged to take pride in the presentation of their writing, in part by developing a good, joined, handwriting style by the time they move to secondary school. We believe that all good writers refine and edit their writing over time, so we want children to develop independence in being able to identify their own areas for improvement in all pieces of writing, editing their work effectively during and after the writing process.

Implementation

1. Daily Writing Practice: Students engage in daily writing activities across various genres, including narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and informational writing. This consistent practice helps to build their writing stamina and fluency.

2. Integrated Curriculum: Writing is integrated across the curriculum, allowing students to apply their writing skills in different subjects. This approach helps to reinforce the importance of writing in all areas of learning and provides a variety of contexts for students to practice their skills.

3. Use of Technology: We incorporate technology into our writing instruction through the use of digital tools and platforms. Students use word processing software, online research tools, and collaborative writing platforms to enhance their writing experience and develop digital literacy skills.

4. Peer Review and Collaboration: Students participate in peer review sessions where they share their work with classmates and provide constructive feedback. This collaborative approach helps students to develop critical thinking skills and learn from each other.

5. Writing Celebrations: We celebrate student writing through regular writing showcases, publishing student work in school newsletters/assemblies, and hosting writing competitions. These celebrations help to motivate students and recognise their achievements.

6. Professional Development: Our teachers receive ongoing professional development to stay updated on best practices in writing instruction. This includes training on new writing strategies, assessment techniques, and the use of technology in writing.  We also attend Trust English network meetings and engage in writing moderation with other schools in the Trust. 

7. Assessment and Feedback: We use a variety of assessment tools to monitor student progress in writing. Regular feedback is provided to students to help them improve their writing skills and set goals for future growth.

Impact

1. Enhanced Writing Proficiency: Our students have demonstrated substantial improvements in their writing skills. Regular practice and targeted instruction have enabled them to develop strong writing techniques, including grammar, punctuation, and composition.

2. Increased Confidence and Expression: Through our writing curriculum, students have gained confidence in their ability to express themselves. They are more willing to take risks in their writing, explore creative ideas, and share their work with others.

3. Improved Academic Performance: The skills acquired through our writing curriculum have translated into better performance across all subjects. Students are able to articulate their thoughts more clearly and effectively, leading to higher quality work in all areas of their education.

4. Engagement and Enjoyment: Writing has become a source of enjoyment and engagement for our students. The use of diverse writing activities and the integration of technology have made writing a dynamic and interactive part of their learning experience.