Writing

Intent

At St Margaret’s CE Primary School, we believe that writing is a powerful tool for communication, creativity and self-expression. Our aim is to develop confident, thoughtful writers who not only write well but enjoy the process of writing. We want children to find their voice, write with purpose, and take pride in their craft.

Our writing curriculum is designed to:

  • Support children in becoming independent, purposeful writers.
  • Provide a consistent structure for writing across the school.
  • Encourage creativity while developing technical accuracy.
  • Ensure children understand the impact of their writing on different audiences.

Implementation

Writing Process

We follow a consistent, school-wide sequence for writing that supports progression and independence while giving space for creativity. Each unit is framed around five key phases:

  1. Engage & Establish – A hook into the writing journey, sparking curiosity and building background knowledge.
  2. Explore as a Reader – Analysing high-quality texts to understand how authors create meaning and impact.
  3. Explore as a Writer – Experimenting with language, structure and techniques through modelled and shared writing.
  4. Evolve & Evaluate – Drafting, editing and refining writing with feedback from peers and teachers.
  5. Exhibit – Sharing final outcomes with a real audience, giving writing a clear sense of purpose.

Planning with SPACE

Children are taught to plan their writing using the acronym SPACE:

  • Structure – How is the writing organised?
  • Purpose – Why is it being written?
  • Audience – Who is it for?
  • Composition – What content and language will be used?
  • Effect – How will it impact the reader?

Classroom Practice

  • Working walls support current learning and provide reference points for vocabulary, grammar and structure.
  • Teachers use model texts (WAGOLLs) and shared writing to demonstrate expectations.
  • Children are encouraged to edit and improve their work using a range of resources (e.g. word mats, thesauruses).
  • Final pieces are often published, performed or displayed to celebrate achievement.

Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation

  • Grammar and punctuation are taught in context within writing units and revisited regularly.
  • From Year 2, discrete spelling lessons follow the No Nonsense Spelling scheme.
  • Spelling is assessed through writing and low-stakes quizzes.

Assessment and Feedback

  • Writing is assessed termly through independent pieces, moderated internally and externally.
  • Feedback is given through live marking, verbal comments and written responses.
  • Children are supported to take ownership of their progress through self-editing and reflection.

Impact

By the time children leave St Margaret’s, they will:

  • Be confident, independent writers who can adapt their writing for different purposes and audiences.
  • Use a wide range of vocabulary, sentence structures and stylistic features effectively.
  • Understand how to plan, draft, edit and publish their work.
  • Take pride in their writing and see themselves as authors.
  • Be well-prepared for the writing demands of secondary school and beyond.