By the time pupils reach us at The Levett School, predictably reading and writing are subject areas pupils disengage and dislike the most. However, we intend to turn that around and to engage our pupils to access writing lessons and to feel proud of their writing ability. We want pupils to be able to write expressively, clearly and for a purpose. In order to do this, we need to provide opportunity for pupils to write for a range of purposes.
Most importantly, we aim to help pupils understand the writing process of draft, re-read, edit and improve to provide their best ‘final piece’. Grammar, punctuation and spelling are also taught across all curriculum areas to embed the skills not just taught in literacy lessons. We expect pupils to take pride in their writing and to present their learning neatly, taking care of their handwriting and letter formation.
We understand that to be a good writer, a pupil needs to be a good reader which is why reading is the crucial element across our whole school curriculum. Writing success stems from reading but also the understanding of specific genres and vocabulary. We encourage pupils to write for a range of purposes and to consider more modern forms of writing. Visual, auditory and video clips are used to engage pupils and to provide a stimulus for writing.
Teachers often discuss/recap text types and their features before modelling examples for pupils to base their own ideas on. Pupils are assessed and use one to one spelling and assessment sessions to progress through spelling lists in a more personalised way. Spelling activities are set up through the week such as look, cover, write, check, spelling using different colours and shapes as well as matching up letters before a test on a Friday. The SNIP programme is also used to support pupils who do not need decoding lessons but need more targeted support with spellings – using a more on sight approach.
Writing at The Levett School is engaging and uses a range of resources to encourage the pupils. Pupils are assessed from their own starting points and lessons are planned from there to allow for their progress and understanding. Writing lessons are largely based around Spoken Language and Reading before a more focused piece of writing is attempted.
Pupils at The Levett School will be able to edit, revise and make final pieces of writing for a range of purposes. Pupils will be able to adapt their language and style of writing according to who they are writing for and understand why they need to do this. Writing opportunities will be provided across the curriculum as well as different purposes explored and spoken about so pupils can make links to secure their understanding.
In Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils will be given opportunities to fill in forms etc. to support their lifelong learning opportunities and to help them to plan out their own journeys using reading and written skills. Our pupils will be able to use literacy as a key skill to be independent in their future lives.
