English - Writing

Our stories hold power. They help us understand who we are and where we belong. — Malorie Blackman, British author and former Children’s Laureate

Inspiring a Love of Writing and Language

At Radwinter CofE (VA) Primary School, we believe that English is at the heart of learning and communication. Our English curriculum is designed to nurture every child’s unique talents and voice, enabling them to express their ideas clearly, creatively, and confidently. Rooted in our Christian vision of growing and learning together to embrace life in all its fullness (John 10:10), we provide a caring and inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported to flourish.

Our Vision for Writing

Writing is a powerful tool for understanding ourselves and the world around us. At Radwinter, we want every child to experience the joy and confidence that comes from writing well, reflecting our values of fairness, kindness, respect, forgiveness, and service.

What Children Learn in English

Our writing curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced to ensure children:

Build on prior learning through deliberate revisiting of key skills.
Express deep understanding of the world and their place within it.
Engage with moral, religious, ethical, and social ideas through their writing.
Make meaningful cross-curricular connections that enrich their learning experiences.

We recognise that each child’s journey is unique and ensure that all children, including those with SEND and EAL needs, receive tailored support to succeed.

A Strong Start Every September

Each new school year begins with a whole-school focus on transcription skills—handwriting, spelling, grammar, and punctuation—the essential foundations of effective writing.

Place Value of Grammar and Punctuation (PVPG):
We use the Grammarsaurus PVPG framework, a visual and structured approach to teaching grammar and punctuation. This helps children revisit and secure key skills, close gaps, and build confidence before applying grammar purposefully in their writing.
Place Value of Spelling:
We assess every child’s spelling knowledge early to deliver targeted teaching that strengthens spelling confidence and accuracy before beginning the Spelling with Grammarsaurus scheme.
Handwriting:
Following the Teach Handwriting scheme from Year 1 to Year 6, children participate in regular sessions to develop fluent, legible handwriting—vital for confident, sustained writing. We use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds handwriting ditties to teach handwriting in EYFS.

A Cohesive and Purposeful Writing Curriculum

Our curriculum is progressive and purposeful, designed to build on children’s prior knowledge and experiences:

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS):
Children begin with Little Wandle phonics, secure letter formation, and literacy activities following Greg Bottrill’s Drawing Club to spark a love of language.
Key Stage 1:
Focus is on securing phonics knowledge and accurate letter formation, followed by introducing PVPG to develop grammar awareness and sentence confidence. Once we have secured the basics, we move on to writing units that apply transcription skills
Key Stage 2:
A structured autumn term teaching sequence revisits and consolidates grammar and punctuation, paired with writing units; non-chronological reports and recounts. This approach supports children in applying their skills independently and purposefully.

You can make everything by writing. — C.S. Lewis

What Our Curriculum Aims to Achieve

Through well-sequenced, cumulative units, our children:

Develop breadth and depth in writing skills and knowledge.
Write purposefully across genres to inform, persuade, entertain, and explain.
Apply their skills confidently in cross-curricular writing.

Maintaining High Standards

We ensure consistency and quality through:

Regular training and development opportunities for staff can ensure that teachers are equipped with the latest teaching strategies and educational research, enhancing their effectiveness in the classroom.
Leaders regularly involved in learning across all year groups.
Pupil conferences to listen to children’s experiences and ideas.
Moderation to monitor progress and provide feedback.

What Our Children Gain

Our approach nurtures:

Conceptual fluency: the ability to write confidently across subjects.
Creative confidence: skills to shape, refine, and express thoughts clearly.
A love of language: fostering a belief that every child’s voice and ideas matter.

This reflects our commitment to educating children for wisdom, hope, community, and dignity within our Radwinter family, preparing them for life in an ever-changing, diverse world.

Join Us in Celebrating Writing
We invite parents to celebrate our children’s writing achievements. Parents have opportunities to look at their children's work at various points of the year. We also share updates through the newsletter and on Tapestry. Your support helps us inspire and engage every child to embrace life in all its fullness through language.

Summary

At Radwinter CofE (VA) Primary School, our English curriculum is a vibrant journey that equips children with the skills and confidence to write with purpose and passion. Grounded in our Christian values and vision, we nurture each child’s unique voice and creativity, preparing them to thrive as thoughtful, articulate members of a diverse society.

For more information about our English curriculum please contact:

Mrs. Fuller, English Lead hedgehogs@radwinter.essex.sch.uk