English
At OTCA, our aim is that our pupils enjoy writing and through this enjoyment become competent writers. Writing is a fundamental part of our curriculum that is a powerful means of communication which builds on the spoken word. The skill of writing competently is necessary to allow pupils to function, engage and contribute within our society. We have developed a bespoke mastery writing process built around text led units of work which develop vocabulary, reading and writing skills. We have designed a writing process that is bespoke, forensic and research based. This process is sequential and builds up to a writing outcome. We have high expectations in place around the vocabulary children use. This is why we intentionally expose children from EYFS to tier two and three vocabulary in order to enhance their spoken and written language. Through the rigorous teaching of reading a wide range of vocabulary is collected and defined to be used in independent writing. We are aware of and celebrate the diversity of the community we are in and acknowledge that a focus on vocabulary is essential to build skills as approximately 75% of our children have English as an additional language. Our writing process includes formative assessment, which then informs which key writing skills need to be taught. A comprehensive mix of shared, modelled and guided writing develops writing fluency and confidence. Summative assessment is then used to inform future planning. Children are taught key writing skills through non-negotiable basic writing skills, mastery skills for each year group and feature skills which are genre specific. Standard language is used for writing across the school, so children have a solid understanding of the writing process. Furthermore, we ensure that; children are taught the key features of a wide range of different genres; children have opportunity to write independently; assessment for learning strategies are woven throughout and that cursive handwriting is expected and taught explicitly from Year 2, summer term. Throughout the whole process we strive to engage the interests of the children and to widen knowledge and experience of the wider world through a variety of experiences, which enrich independent writing. Writing is celebrated across the curriculum. Children have the chance to publish their final pieces and share with others. We want all children to be proud of what they have achieved and our bespoke writing curriculum makes this possible. As part of this process, children are given opportunities to write for real purposes and audiences. Our writing curriculum is ambitious and ensures that it includes the National Curriculum aims of:
• transcription (spelling and handwriting)
• composition (articulating ideas and structuring them in speech and writing)
English Curriculum implementation