Curriculum – English Writing

At Oakley Cross Primary School, we aim to provide pupils with a high-quality education in English.

We recognise the importance of cultivating a culture where children take pride in their writing, can write clearly and accurately and adapt their language and style for a range of contexts. Across the school, we teach children to write effectively and coherently for different purposes and audiences.  In order for children to be able to do this, we immerse them in a rich-text environment that provides models and examples of high-quality writing which children can examine and explore. We use a text-based approach that is carefully planned and structured.

Our Oakley 5 E’s Writing Sequence is used as the structure for teaching writing:

• ENGAGE
• EXAMINE
• EXPLORE
• EVALUATE & EDIT
• EXHIBIT

Engage

This section is used as a ‘hook’ to engage children into writing, providing purpose. 

Examine

A WAGOLL (What a good one looks like) example text, is shared with pupils.  Key vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, spelling and the sentence structure and text organisation used are all features that are identified, analysed and discussed. It is at this point that pupils can begin to create success criteria in order for their own writing to be as successful.

Explore

In this section, pupils will deepen their understanding of skills and features of selected genre. They are exposed to further examples and ‘explore’ as writers by using and applying specific skills. Pupils have opportunities to model and plan their own writing in a particular style before producing their own piece of writing.

Evaluate and Edit

At this point, children will use marking and feedback from staff and peers in order to improve their own written work. Opportunities for editing and re-drafting their work are encouraged throughout all year groups. 

Exhibit

This is the point when children’s work is shared and shown and most importantly, celebrated.

Spelling

At Oakley Cross, we use Spelling Shed as a resource to teach the spelling requirements of the National Curriculum. This begins in Year 2, following on form Essential Letters and Sounds teaching in Early Years and Year 1.  Spelling Shed’s approach to spelling involves the relationship between sounds and written symbols as well as using morphology to help spell through meaning. The carefully selected word lists and engaging activities provide opportunities to incorporate phonics and meaning to strengthen spelling skills and build vocabulary acquisition.