implementation

Writing

At St. Michael’s, writing is taught through engaging and purposeful units that are often linked to wider curriculum themes, providing meaningful contexts and hooks for pupils to write across subjects. Genres are revisited throughout the year, enabling children to deepen their understanding of key features and develop expertise in different forms of writing. We ensure that all pupils, regardless of their starting point, are supported to become competent and confident writers who understand the power and purpose of their words. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar (SPaG) are fully embedded within writing lessons, never taught in isolation but integrated into each unit so pupils can apply their learning in context and strengthen their grasp of how language works. Grammar and punctuation are introduced at developmentally appropriate stages and revisited regularly to secure retention and mastery. Vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited throughout each unit, with teachers modelling its use and encouraging pupils to incorporate new language into their writing, enabling precise and effective choices. Writing at St. Michael’s is intrinsically motivated and purpose-driven; pupils are given opportunities to publish, perform, and share their work with real audiences, fostering pride, ownership, and a genuine love of writing.

St Michael’s Three Phase Planning Unit:

Phase 1: Immerse

• · WOW hooks into reading
• · Modelled, shared reading
• · Roleplay and developing oracy around the text
• · Develop comprehension linked to the text

Phase 2: Practice and Embed Skills

• · Identify language/ grammatical / genre features
• · Deepen understanding of characters through hot seating
• · Unpicking language and deepening understanding
• · Direct teaching of new grammatical concepts
• · Planning with support
• · Teacher modelled writing
• · Shared writing/ Supported composition
• · Guided writing

Phase 3: Becoming Authors

• · Developing vocabulary further
• · Planning independently drawing on knowledge from core texts
• · Drafting a final piece
• · Editing a final piece
• · Publishing and/or sharing a piece of writing with purpose