Writing
Writing is a complex process, requiring the interleaving of a range of different skills, knowledge and techniques. We believe that the writing journey begins with early language acquisition, oracy, vocabulary development alongside physical fine and gross motor skills. These strong foundations are nurtured throughout primary school in order to produce expert writers.
The National Curriculum emphasises two distinct strands in the writing curriculum: transcription (handwriting and spelling) and composition (articulating ideas and structuring them in writing).
Intent
We want all children to leave Cotham Gardens being able to:
- Write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
- Have acquired a wide range of vocabulary and solid understanding of grammar and punctuation conventions, applying confidently, accurately and for effect
- Spell new words by effectively applying the spelling patterns and rules they have learnt
- Take pride in the presentation of their writing, in part by developing a good, joined, handwriting style
- Refine and edit their writing over time
- Use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas
- Be competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate
Implementation
Our Writing curriculum at Cotham Gardens Primary School is taught using ‘Curriculum by Unity Partnership’ (CUSP). CUSP is an ambitious research and evidence based approach which is built around the belief that every child should be taught the key skills and techniques to be able to communicate effectively in their writing. Our curriculum is carefully structured to ensure pupils build upon prior knowledge to master writing and develop their ideas.
Expert subject knowledge is carefully woven into each Writing unit, giving teachers the opportunity to teach and rehearse key knowledge and skills before children then apply this learning to meaningful, extended pieces of writing. This careful architecture of the curriculum ensures pupils revisit different writing genres twice in each year, to maximise the opportunities for progression and consolidate their skills, so they become writers for life. Within the CUSP curriculum, spelling, punctuation and grammar is taught both directly and discretely enabling children to see how it is embedded in example texts and then given the opportunity to apply this to their own writing.
Accurate letter formation is an integral part of our systematic synthetic phonics scheme (Little Wandle) in Reception and Year 1. We then follow the Letter-join handwriting scheme which introduces children to joining their letters once correct and automatic letter formation has been established. Pens are introduced, when appropriate, in years 5 & 6.
Impact
As a result of the use of the CUSP writing curriculum and consistent, high-quality teaching at Cotham Gardens Primary School, we expect all children to meet national expectations at the end of Key Stage 2.
cusp english long term sequence 2024 25 single age sequence cusp.pdf