Writing at Greenwood

At Greenwood Primary School, our English curriculum provides pupils with opportunities to explore and write a wide range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry from Nursery to Year 6. High-quality children’s books provide the stimulus for writing, allowing pupils to develop their understanding of different genres, purposes and audiences.

Children have regular opportunities to write throughout the week, developing their vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and composition skills. Every two weeks, pupils work towards an extended piece of independent writing, applying the skills they have been taught.

Editing is an important part of our writing curriculum. Pupils are given regular opportunities to reread, reflect on and improve their writing, developing independence and pride in their work.

Writing is also embedded across the wider curriculum, giving pupils meaningful opportunities to apply their skills in different subjects and for different purposes. We aim to develop confident writers who can communicate their ideas clearly, creatively and effectively.

EYFS

In EYFS, children develop the foundations for writing through a range of purposeful and engaging experiences. In Nursery and Reception, children develop the fine and gross motor skills needed for writing through activities such as drawing, painting, threading and using a variety of tools. Children are encouraged to make marks and use drawings to communicate their ideas, thoughts and experiences. They are supported to talk about their marks and pictures, helping them to understand that their ideas can be represented through writing.

As their phonics knowledge develops, children begin to use the sounds they know to write words and simple sentences. Adults encourage children to verbally rehearse their ideas before writing, using Colourful Semantics, questioning and picture prompts where appropriate.

In Reception, Drawing Club provides an engaging context for developing early writing. Children explore stories and story worlds through drawing, talk and imagination before beginning to translate their ideas into words and sentences. This approach develops creativity, vocabulary and fine motor skills while helping children to see themselves as authors.

KS1

In Key Stage 1, pupils follow a two-week writing structure based around a carefully selected high-quality text. The text provides a rich context for exploring the features of the genre being studied and understanding how authors use language and structure.

During the first week, pupils explore and deconstruct the model text before developing the specific skills they will need, including vocabulary, grammar, punctuation and sentence structure. They have opportunities to practise these skills before applying them independently.

During the second week, pupils plan, write and edit an extended piece of writing, applying the skills they have developed throughout the sequence. Pupils are encouraged to consider their audience and purpose and to make thoughtful choices about their vocabulary and sentence construction.

Editing is an important part of the writing process, with pupils supported to reread and improve their work.

Writing is assessed using the school's writing assessment proforma, with Year 2 pupils also assessed against the KS1 Teacher Assessment Framework where appropriate.

KS2

In Key Stage 2, pupils continue to follow a two-week writing structure, building on the knowledge and skills developed in previous year groups. High-quality texts provide the stimulus for writing and expose pupils to a range of genres, vocabulary and writing styles.

During the first week, pupils explore the chosen text and genre before being explicitly taught and practising the grammar, punctuation, vocabulary and composition skills needed for their writing outcome.

In the second week, pupils plan, write and edit an extended piece of independent writing, applying the skills they have developed. As pupils progress through Key Stage 2, they are increasingly expected to make independent choices about vocabulary, sentence structure, organisation and the impact of their writing on the reader.

There is a particular focus in Upper Key Stage 2 on applying grammar and punctuation accurately across a wider range of genres and purposes, while developing writing stamina and independence.

Writing is assessed using the school's writing assessment proforma, with Year 6 pupils also assessed against the KS2 Teacher Assessment Framework where appropriate.

Oracy & Writing

At Greenwood Primary School, we recognise the strong relationship between oracy and writing. We believe that children need opportunities to talk, listen and rehearse their ideas before they can confidently express them in writing.

Through structured discussion, talk partners, questioning, sentence stems and opportunities to explain and justify ideas, pupils develop the vocabulary and confidence needed to become successful writers. Our approach enables pupils to learn through talk and learn to talk, helping them to deepen their understanding across the curriculum.

Since 2022, Greenwood has partnered with Voice 21 to develop pupils' speaking and listening skills across the school. Oracy is embedded throughout our curriculum, with pupils developing physical, linguistic, cognitive and social-emotional oracy skills.

In 2026, Greenwood was recognised as an Oracy School of Excellence, reflecting our strategic approach to oracy, commitment to continuous improvement and the important role of staff and pupil voice.

We believe that strong oracy provides an important foundation for writing, enabling every pupil to develop their voice, communicate their ideas clearly and become confident, purposeful writers.