Writing
Through a carefully sequenced curriculum and high-quality teaching, we aim to instil a lifelong love of writing. By developing both the technical skills and the creativity needed for success, we ensure every child can communicate with clarity, confidence and purpose.
Writing
At Bussage Primary School, writing—alongside reading—sits at the heart of our curriculum. We believe writing is far more than putting words on a page; it is about expressing ideas, sharing stories and communicating with the world. Our approach is carefully designed to develop fluent, confident writers who understand the power of language in their everyday lives.
Our aim is for every child to leave us as a confident, capable and creative writer who can communicate clearly, accurately and purposefully for a range of audiences and contexts. Writing is taught as both a craft and a process, underpinned by high expectations, explicit instruction and meaningful opportunities to apply skills.
“The way we communicate with others and ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives.” — Tony Robbins
Our writing curriculum is ambitious, coherently planned and carefully sequenced, ensuring that all pupils—including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils—develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
We prioritise:
- The development of both transcription (spelling, handwriting) and composition (ideas, structure, vocabulary)
- Building automaticity in basic skills so children can focus on composing high-quality writing
- Explicit teaching that reduces cognitive overload, enabling pupils to succeed
- Frequent opportunities for purposeful writing across the curriculum
We ensure that pupils learn, practise and embed essential skills over time so they know more and can do more in writing.
How we teach writing
Our curriculum is delivered through high-quality, evidence-informed teaching, rooted in the National Curriculum and the DfE writing framework. From their earliest years, they are taught through a clear, progressive curriculum. This builds the foundational skills of transcription and composition, where ideas are brought to life.
Bussage Primary School Writing Planning Reference Guide
Bussage Primary School Writing Sequence Overview
Key features of our approach:
- Text-based curriculum: High-quality texts provide meaningful contexts for learning
- Explicit instruction: Teachers model writing and clearly explain success criteria
- Small steps progression: Skills are broken down and sequenced carefully
- Oral rehearsal: Pupils rehearse ideas to support sentence construction
- Regular practice: Daily writing opportunities build fluency and stamina
- Scaffolding and challenge: Support is gradually removed as independence grows
Grammar, punctuation and spelling are taught in context, ensuring pupils understand how these improve writing rather than learning them in isolation.
Developing Fluency and Automaticity
In line with the writing framework, we ensure that:
- Handwriting becomes fluent and automatic
- Spelling is practised and embedded through systematic teaching
- Pupils can write with increasing speed, accuracy and independence
This enables pupils to focus on the content and quality of their writing, rather than being limited by basic skills.
handwriting display with start points pdf.pdf
ks1 letter formation mid line no line and different k versions.pdf
handwriting posture bussage.pdf
Phonics and Spelling
Phonics underpins writing development.
In EYFS and Year 1, pupils follow the Essential Letters and Sounds programme with daily sessions, followed by ELS Essential spelling programme in Year 2.
In KS2, spelling is taught explicitly at least three times weekly, with targeted intervention where needed. We use the Essential Spelling and Word Knowledge scheme to teach spelling. It builds seamlessly on the Key Stage 1 programme and develops pupils' understanding of spelling through the morphology of words.
Key Stage 2 overview term by term
Key Stage 2 Year Group overviews
Impact: What This Achieves
As a result of our approach:
- Pupils write with increasing fluency and accuracy
- They demonstrate strong vocabulary and language choices
- Writing is well-structured and purposeful
- Pupils show confidence, resilience and pride in their work
- Outcomes at the end of Key Stage 2 reflect a secure foundation for secondary education
Most importantly, our aim is for all pupils to leave Bussage as articulate, confident communicators, equipped for the next stage of their education and future life.
Writing Journey
EYFS
Children begin by:
- Mark-making and experimenting with early writing
- Developing phonics knowledge
- Forming letters and simple sentences
They learn that writing carries meaning and begin to express their ideas confidently.
Key Stages 1 & 2
Pupils progressively learn to:
- Write for different purposes and audiences
- Use grammar and punctuation accurately
- Structure writing effectively
- Edit and improve independently
- Develop a personal writing style
Our Core Values in Writing
Our curriculum is underpinned by:
- Hope – Confidence to express ideas
- Wisdom – Understanding language deeply
- Community – Sharing and connecting through writing
- Dignity – Pride and respect in all work
Future Pathways
Writing equips pupils with essential life skills—communication, creativity and critical thinking—opening doors to a wide range of careers, including:
- Author, journalist, editor
- Teacher or educator
- Media and communications roles
- Law and professional services