Being an Author: Writer at Gomeldon Primary School
Intent
At Gomeldon Primary School, we are committed to a high-quality, book-based writing curriculum that will help pupils, in particular our most disadvantaged learners, to be confident in their ability to take communicate their ideas and emotions effectively with others, safe in the knowledge that they have the skills that will enable them to succeed. We aim to provide our pupils with excellent quality teaching, using high quality resources. We want to develop lovers of reading, writing and discussion. We intend to inspire children to be interested in the world around them, exploring a wide variety of authors, genres and ideas. Our curriculum is underpinned by the five main areas set out in the National Curriculum: reading, speaking and listening, writing, spelling and handwriting.
How does being a Author: Writer link with our school values?
Reflection: Pupils will reflect on what it means to be a writer and the key knowledge and skills required to do this successfully. Pupils will develop an understanding of how to analyse, edit and improve their work, both independently and through peer conferencing.
Resourcefulness: Pupils will be encouraged to be resourceful in their approach to writing. They will show initiative, ask well thought out questions and be prepared to use a variety of strategies to learn. Children will be able to choose the most appropriate resource to aid them in their learning, for example a dictionary, and develop the skills to use them.
Resilience: Pupils will develop resilience by being prepared to persevere and stay involved in their learning, even when the process is challenging. Pupils will need to be able to accept feedback from others who may respectfully challenge their views and opinions or provide constructive feedback about how to improve their writing.
Relationships: Pupils will work collaboratively as writers to explore key questions, share ideas and decide on a suitable approach to a writing task. Pupils will be supportive of each other and respectful as they share ideas and celebrate each other’s successes, as well as providing a critical friend to evaluate learning.
Implementation
At Gomeldon Primary School, the elements of the English curriculum are taught through a combination of both cross-curricular enquiries and discrete lessons. The curriculum is carefully planned across the mixed-year classes to ensure that the learning opportunities are sequential, and that skills build on those mastered in previous years. Pupils will have multiple opportunities to master writing skills through focused practice sessions as well as tasks that challenge them to apply their learning. Cross-curricular writing provides opportunities to apply skills outside of English lessons.
We understand the value of a literary-rich learning environment. Working walls are used to support and enhance children’s learning and displays celebrate student’s written work in class and in corridors. Pupils are given further opportunities to read, write, listen and speak outside of the classroom environment through “Reading for Pleasure”, and using the “Writing Den” in breaks, as well as taking part in a variety of events such as World Book Day, author visits, watching plays and pantomimes and their own class and Key Stage shows. All of these experiences are designed to engage the children as writers, enabling them to develop their ability to express themselves through the written word.
Impact
Pupils at Gomeldon Primary School will become skilled and confident communicators, who are able to apply their knowledge and understanding to a range of learning situations and in everyday life. They will have an appreciation of a wide range of quality literature, and will read for both knowledge and enjoyment.
We have high aspirations for our pupils. By the end of Year 6, we are committed to supporting children to achieve the below outcomes.
In reading:
- enjoy reading and writing across a range of genres
- enjoy reading regularly
- discuss books with excitement and interest
In writing:
- enjoy writing and use the features of different genres and styles
- confidently write for different purposes and audiences
- have a wide vocabulary that they use within their writing
- have a good knowledge of how to adapt their writing based on the context and audience
- leave primary school being able to effectively apply the grammar skills, spelling rules and patterns they have been taught
In spoken language:
- listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers
- ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and knowledge
- use relevant strategies to build their vocabulary
- articulate and justify answers, arguments and opinions
- give well-structured descriptions, explanations and narratives for different purposes, including for expressing feelings
- maintain attention and participate actively in collaborative conversations, staying on topic and initiating and responding to comments
- use spoken language to develop understanding through speculating, hypothesising, imagining and exploring ideas
- speak audibly and fluently with an increasing command of Standard English
- participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play/improvisations and debates
- gain, maintain and monitor the interest of the listener(s)
- consider and evaluate different viewpoints, attending to and building on the contributions of others
- select and use appropriate registers for effective communication