Writing

It is our aim that all pupils who attend Hillbrook, leave us able to write clearly, accurately and coherently, with the ability to adapt their language and style to a range of contexts, purposes and audiences. We understand that speaking and listening, reading and writing, go hand in hand; children need to be capable and fluent speakers, listeners and readers in order to become capable and fluent writers.

The Writing Process

At Hillbook, we embrace a topic-based approach to teaching and learning. With this in mind, core texts linked to topics are chosen. These texts are used as inspiration for writing and regular opportunities to write at length across a range of subjects and genres are given. The teaching of grammar is primarily taught within the context of both reading and writing. Expectations with regard to spelling, handwriting and presentation are high.

We recognise that writing is a complicated process and therefore, in order for children to succeed, we ensure that purposefully planned ‘steps’ to writing our given.

These include:

Talk4Writing approaches (Imitate, Innovate, Invent,)
Exploration of quality model texts
Drama and role play
Use of ‘Visual literacy’
Time to plan and share ideas
Opportunities to edit and redraft

Assessment in the form of purposeful verbal feedback and interactive marking promotes reflection and enables children to make improvements to their writing.

Handwriting

At Hillbrook Primary, our aim is for all children to develop a joined, fluent and confident handwriting style in order to communicate meaning clearly. We aim to make handwriting an automatic process that does not interfere with creative and mental thinking. We believe that as a key literacy component, handwriting should be actively and consistently taught in developmental stages from Nursery to Year 6. To ensure consistency and progression with this we follow ‘Pen-Pals’ handwriting scheme. As a school, we expect children, staff and parents to use ‘Pen-Pals’ clear, joined script in their everyday writing and we encourage children to take pride in their presentation at all times.

Please click here to view PenPals Joins Information

Please click here to view Hillbrook Handwriting Policy

Please click here to view PenPals Progression from Nursery to Y6