Writing is a core skill that enables students to communicate clearly, think critically and express themselves effectively. It is embedded across all subjects and developed through structured, evidence-based approaches.
How Writing is Promoted in School
- Explicit Vocabulary Instruction: Teachers highlight key academic and subject-specific vocabulary to ensure precise use of language.
- I Do, We Do, You Do: A structured approach where teachers model writing or thinking processes (I Do), guide students through joint practice (We Do), and then allow students to apply skills independently (You Do). A key strategy in the Excellent Whitstone Lesson.
- Modelling with Visualisers: Teachers demonstrate writing techniques, sentence structures, and stylistic devices using visualisers, exemplar texts, and live demonstrations.
- Extended Writing Opportunities: Students practise structured writing in a wide range of subjects, applying vocabulary and grammar in context.
- Sustained Independent Writing: Students engage in extended writing with a clear purpose, audience, and conventions. Teachers utilise this strategy from the Excellent Whitstone Lesson.
- Scaffolded Support: Complex writing tasks are broken down into manageable steps, with guidance on planning, drafting, and editing.
- Writing Linked to Reading: Comprehension activities feed into writing tasks, helping students develop ideas, analyse texts, and use evidence effectively.
- Feedback and Improvement: Students receive regular feedback and are encouraged to redraft and refine their work.
- Inclusion Boxes: Staff have access to a range of resources to support writing, ensuring all students can engage meaningfully with tasks and develop their skills.
Supporting Writing at Home
- Letter Writing: Encourage thank-you letters, invitations or letters to local organisations to practise formal communication.
- Email Practice: Support formal email writing for real-world purposes, such as work experience requests or school submissions.
- Diary and Journaling: Daily or weekly reflection helps students express thoughts, organise ideas and develop fluency.
- Creative Writing: Short stories, poems and scripts support imagination, narrative skills and engagement with language.