Writing
Writing is a valued and integral part of the curriculum at Alexandra Park Primary School. We strive to create a love of writing while equipping pupils with a strong command of spoken and written language. We believe that strong foundations are essential to becoming confident, competent and independent writers. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to build these foundations progressively. Children develop essential skills in speaking, listening, handwriting, spelling, sentence construction and vocabulary through explicit teaching, modelling and regular practice.
Assessment is central to how we move learning forward. Teachers continually assess pupils’ writing through regular transcription and sentence accuracy assessments, observation, questioning, discussion and the work they produce. This enables us to identify what children know and can do, recognise gaps or misconceptions, and determine the precise next steps in their learning. Feedback and assessment inform future teaching, ensuring that foundational skills are revisited, practised and secured before pupils move on to more complex writing. Where needed, additional support and targeted practice help children overcome barriers and strengthen their understanding. As pupils become more fluent and accurate, they are challenged to apply their skills in increasingly complex contexts, moving from supported practice to greater independence, creativity and mastery.
Children explore a wide range of genres, engage with high-quality texts and write for different purposes and audiences. We aim to develop articulate and imaginative communicators who can express their ideas and emotions effectively and understand the impact of their writing on others. Writing plays a significant role in education and society, supporting pupils’ cultural, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual development and enabling them to participate fully in the world around them.
Our writing curriculum and Aspire Programme spark curiosity and a love of learning. Enrichment experiences inspire pupils to explore different career paths and understand how strong writing skills connect to their lives now and their future success. Whole-class teaching, alongside targeted support for individuals and small groups, is informed by evidence and research and reflects our school context and values. Teachers consistently use the bespoke Alexandra Park Writing Cycle to build on pupils’ prior learning, respond to assessment and strengthen foundational skills. This ensures every child is supported and challenged to progress towards becoming a fluent, creative and independent writer.
Aspire Programme
As a school we believe in providing the children with as many enrichment opportunities as we can in order to inspire their learning. A few of the opportunities which are promoted through the English curriculum are:
World Book Day – To help promote a love of reading and writing we celebrate World Book Day. This is a celebration of writing, reading, books, authors and illustrators and is an opportunity for the children and staff to share their favourite books and stories.
Author and Illustrator Visits and Workshops - Children also have the opportunity to meet and talk to authors and illustrators as part of our Aspire Programme. This not only helps develop their love of writing and reading but also shows them what is possible for themselves in later life if their follow their passions.
Writing competitions - Our pupils have the opportunity to take part in writing projects throughout the year to help develop their creativity, application of writing skills and love of language. As a result, some children have taken great pride in seeing their writing being published into a real book for people to purchase and enjoy.
Oscars – Children’s writing is displayed around school and can often be celebrated at the end of year Oscars ceremony.