The Simple View of Writing describes writing as being dependent on three skills – text generation, transcription and executive function. At Fulbourn, we support our children to make progress in all three of these areas to create confident writers.

Text generation links to creating the ideas, and having inspiration in order to do this. We have developed a writing curriculum which exposes children to a variety of text types and encourages them to write for a variety of audiences and purposes. Open the document below entitled English Overview to find out which texts and texts types we cover from EYFS to year 6 in our two year cycle.

Transcription links to putting the ideas onto paper. To ensure children make progress in this area, they begin mark-making in their very first weeks of EYFS, before moving onto to learning the correct pencil grip and developing their handwriting throughout school by learning to form letters correctly and then how to join. We use PenPals as a tool to support with teaching handwriting and you can read their rationale below to find out more about the importance of handwriting itself.

Spelling also links to transcription as being secure in spellings can help relieve the working memory and allow children to focus on the content of their writing rather than how to spell it. We use Little Wandle to introduce the children to phonics in EYFS/KS1 and we move on to using Spelling Shed to teach spelling from years 2-6. Below you will find a copy of the Spelling Shed medium term plan, which shows how the progression we follow in spelling.

Executive function links to the organisation of a text and revising ideas written. One way we teach this to the children is mentioned above, in the variety of text types we expose them to and ask them to write over their time with us. We also teach the children how to edit their work to either make corrections or improvements. This is a skill they refine as they make their way through the school, resulting in year 6s who make brave decisions in their editing and are able to explain reasons behind their choices.

As well as spelling, punctuation and grammar are important aspects of writing. Below you will find a copy of our school grammar progression map and a copy of a document all children have stuck in their writing books (entitled Writing Checklist). Teachers use the grammar progression map to ensure the correct content is shared in each year group, and the children are able to keep track of their own learning with their writing checklists.