✍️ Writing at High Halden Primary School

"Words form sentences; sentences build paragraphs — and sometimes, if you’re lucky, paragraphs come alive and begin to breathe."
— Inspired by Stephen King

At High Halden, we believe writing is far more than just putting words on a page — it’s a powerful tool to express thought, emotion and creativity. Writing allows our children to communicate ideas clearly and confidently, and to shape their thoughts for different audiences and purposes.

By the time pupils leave us, they will be able to express themselves fluently, imaginatively, and with pride, using a broad vocabulary, accurate grammar, and a strong command of spelling. Above all, they will view writing as an act of self-expression, empowerment and purpose.

🌟 Our Vision for Writing

We want all our pupils to:

• Communicate clearly, confidently and creatively

• Develop a rich vocabulary and solid grasp of grammar

• Spell accurately using rules and patterns taught across the curriculum

• Write for different audiences and in a wide range of genres

• Take pride in presentation, including fluent, joined handwriting

• Learn to revise, edit and improve their work independently

Writing at High Halden is valued as a craft. Children are taught how to shape, redraft and polish their work through structured feedback and guided self-improvement.

📚 Pathways to Write

We follow the Pathways to Write programme – a high-quality, mastery-based writing scheme built around rich, engaging texts. Each unit follows a carefully sequenced process, underpinned by the National Curriculum and tailored to children’s developmental stages.

Each unit includes:

• Vocabulary development

• Mastery of grammar and punctuation

• Exposure to a variety of genres

• Drama, dialogue and oracy opportunities

• Whole-class reading strategies

• Extended, independent writing opportunities

🗺️ The Writing Journey

1. The Gateway (1–2 lessons)

• A hook into the text: objects, role-play or images

• Prediction and discussion of the writing focus

• Revisit prior learning and establish purpose & audience

2. The Pathway (10 lessons)

• Three key writing skills from the National Curriculum introduced

• Pupils practise these through engaging tasks such as character studies, diary entries or fact files

• Challenge tasks provide depth through changes in viewpoint, form or audience

3. Writeaway (4 lessons)

• Extended writing projects, both fiction and non-fiction

• Planning, drafting, editing, redrafting and publishing

• A celebration of all skills learned across the unit

This structure helps pupils to master the writing process in a way that is both systematic and creative.

🧠 Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation (SPAG)

We recognise that strong technical skills support powerful communication.

Spelling

• Weekly spelling lessons follow the National Curriculum Appendix 1

• Weekly spellings are tested and reviewed regularly

• Children are encouraged to correct their own errors and build good habits through targeted feedback

Grammar & Punctuation

• Taught through meaningful writing contexts

• Linked to genre and purpose wherever possible

• Stand-alone grammar lessons are used to reinforce or consolidate key concepts when needed

🖊️ Handwriting & Presentation

We value presentation as a form of pride in one's work. Children are taught a clear cursive handwriting style, and by the time they reach upper KS2, they are expected to write fluently and neatly across all subjects.

🏡 Home-School Partnership

We believe that writing success is built on strong collaboration with parents and carers. We support this through:

• Open afternoons and parent workshops

• Book launch events to celebrate writing outcomes

• Sharing targets and next steps at parent meetings or via Class Dojo

We also provide guidance so that families can support spelling, grammar and writing skills at home in meaningful, manageable ways.

💬 Final Word

At High Halden, writing is more than just a subject — it's a vehicle for thought, creativity and connection. Through rich texts, engaging experiences and high expectations, we ensure that every child leaves us with the skills and passion to communicate effectively in the wider world.

Here are some of the text types we will be focusing on this year...