English - Writing
Click here for Reading and Phonics at Woodlands.
Writing at Woodlands - Intent
At Woodlands, we want children to become independent, creative and grammatically competent writers. We want them to use their knowledge of reading to write their own material and start to master how to target their audience appropriately. We want the children to be aware of the steps that are needed to progress from initial mark making to writing that makes you think, feel or inform.
Writing in EYFS- Implementation
Children begin on their writing journey by mark making. They will be given regular opportunities to mark make across the school day and start to determine meaning in their marks. In the EYFS this is further encouraged in their every-day play. Children will be encouraged through displays and exploration tables to explore writing using phonic links from their phonic teaching. They will move from mark making into letters, words, phrases and for some sentences.
Displays and teacher modelling of spelling/writing may be phonetic at this time rather than accurate (except for tricky words). Widgit ( a picture/written word support tool) will be used to support written signs and be available for the children to use as a resource when they are doing their own writing.
Writing in KS1 and KS2 - Implementation
Initial assessment
Children will complete a short writing assessment within the first few weeks of entry into a new class. This will be kept for teacher's assessment records and to help monitor progress. Each term, written evidence from a range of subject books will be used to determine children’s writing levels and how to move children onto their next step in learning. Parents will be informed of their child's progress at parent meetings, through a yearly written report, as well as, through informal meetings across the year - arranged by the parent/class teacher.
Star Factor 
Children will be given many opportunities for writing in all subject areas. To support the high level of expectation in children’s writing, particularly outside of literacy lessons, Woodlands has developed a ‘Star Factor’ criteria. These Star Factors are non-negotiables that the children are expected to use in every written piece they complete. The Star Factor is progressive in skill, so children in one class will not all be held to the same expectation. The Star Factors within in a class will be displayed and used as reminder prompts. At Woodlands, children will experience quality opportunities to listen to, read and write about a range of different genres.
Please click here for 'star factor' skills progress.
Sentence Strips
All classes from KS1 upwards will display sentence strips. These help the children learn about sentence construction and formation. The sentence strips will show as follows, as relevant to the year group. Please click here for sentence strips.
Vocabulary Development
We expect a vocabulary rich environment. This means that children will have an environment that models examples of words they may meet in topic, example texts, sentence starters and prompts. Picture and written word support will be regularly provided to help scaffold reading and spelling.
Handwriting 
At Woodlands we have high expectations of children's handwriting. Handwriting lessons form a regular part of lessons. Once they are in KS2, children work towards a Pen Licence, which they achieve once they are regularly and consistently forming their joined handwriting correctly.
Additional Support
Some children will not make as much progress in writing as others. Woodlands run a range of literacy interventions aimed at supporting your child to progress. Your child's class teacher will inform you of any additional support your child is receiving.
