Writing Intent

The curriculum at St Georges enables me to “learn to write” and inspires me to “write to learn”. I am a writer. I know the magic of being a writer and communicating my ideas to the world, achieving more than I thought possible. I can write for a purpose: to learn, entertain, inform, discuss or persuade. My writing skills enable me to transcend subject disciplines, so I am able to write as storyteller, a poet, geographer, a scientist, a designer, an historian, a mathematician, a philosopher and a technologist. I am empowered: I understand the technical skills of selecting vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, sentence construction and text structure; I know the importance of these skills and the effect these can have on my intended audience.  I am developing my handwriting fluency, so that I can write with ease and enjoyment for sustained periods of time.  As a writer, I am inspired to create and craft ideas for authentic audiences stretching beyond the classroom to make the world a better place as St Georges Citizen.

We believe English is a vital way of communicating in school, in public life and internationally. The body of Literature in English is rich and influential, reflecting the experience of people from many countries and times. In studying English at St Georges, children will develop skills in oracy, reading and writing. It will enable them to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and eloquently – and to build strong world knowledge that helps them connect ideas and generate new ones. We want our children to become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, knowledge, poetry, drama, as well as text media. We encourage the development of a love and enjoyment of all types of communication, especially reading.

Phonics

We follow 'Essential Letters and Sounds' to teach phonics in Reception and Year 1.  These lessons take place within dedicated slots in our timetable.  An information evening is held for parents in Term 1 each year to give information on the lessons we deliver and how you can support your child at home. 

Writing

At St Georges we are currently building our own approach to writing. In Reception class we follow the 'drawing club' approach where children are immersed in a text and motivated to develop early writing skills. This is continued into Year 1 where we follow 'curious quest'. 

Spelling

Y2 follow ELS 'Essential Spelling' which leads on from our phonics programme. 

Years 2  - 6 follow a separate 'Essential Spelling' scheme. 

Handwriting

We are currently building our own approach to handwriting. 

 

What the pupils say about writing at St Georges:

We practise our letters every day so that everyone can read what we have written. 

We are writing a poem about rivers, at the moment in Year 4, and we love it because it doesn't matter how you write, you can just come up with ideas and let them flow. 

 

What we enjoy about being Writers:

We can write using our imagination. 

It's creative.

You can just keep trying again and again. 

 

How can writing support us with friends and relationships?

We can share our writing and make other people happy - Bridget Y1

It can help you communicate with other people - Teddy Y3

You can message each other - Joshua Y4

You can write letters to your friends, if they live far away - Aria Y5

 

How does writing help us with our feelings and emotions?

I write in my sausage dog diary - Bridget Y1

Writing makes me happy - Seb Y2

When I feel sad, writing makes me calm - Aubree Y3

You can write down your feelings; if you're angry it can help you - Lily Y4

 

What ELLI characters have you been as a Writer?

Resilient Tortoise - you might not find it easy but you can keep going.

Creative Unicorn - you get to be creative and choose what you write about.

Changing cameleon - you can always make your writing even better.