At Bridge & Patrixbourne CEP School, we nurture a love of writing that reflects our Christian values and vision. Our approach to writing encourages pupils to grow creatively and academically within a supportive and inclusive community. Writing is a vital skill that allows our pupils to communicate their ideas confidently and make a positive difference in the world.
Our Writing Curriculum
We believe every pupil should flourish as a writer, developing the confidence to express themselves clearly and creatively. Writing at Bridge School is fully inclusive, offering all pupils opportunities to experiment with language across various genres. Through writing, pupils learn to challenge stereotypes and social norms, building resilience by embracing mistakes as part of the learning journey.
Writing in the Early Years Foundation Stage (Reception)
In Reception, writing is embedded within the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, focusing on key foundational skills such as:
- Communication and Language: Developing speaking skills to support writing fluency.
- Physical Development: Enhancing fine motor skills essential for handwriting.
- Literacy: Building early word reading and phonics knowledge.
By the end of Reception, pupils are expected to:
- Write recognisable and correctly formed letters.
- Spell simple words by identifying and representing sounds.
- Write simple phrases and sentences that others can read.
These early skills lay the groundwork for confident, effective writing as pupils progress through the school.
Writing in Key Stages 1 and 2 (Years 1 to 6)
From Year 1 onwards, we use The Write Stuff approach by Jane Considine, a structured, progressive method that helps pupils:
- Understand sentence structure and authorial choices.
- Expand their vocabulary and deepen comprehension of grammar and punctuation.
- Engage actively in the writing process by deciding which ideas to keep, sharpen, or reject.
Pupils are immersed in high-quality texts and creative experiences that inspire their writing. This approach supports all learners, helping them grow in confidence and skill, and aligns with our values of excellence and resilience.
Parental Support
We encourage parents to be active partners in developing their child’s writing skills. Here are some simple ways you can support writing at home:
- Discuss new and interesting vocabulary encountered during reading.
- Encourage writing about reading by creating book reviews for favourite stories.
- Create a fun, organised writing space to inspire creativity.
- Practice spelling and grammar through sentence writing linked to school objectives.
- Use pictures to spark imagination—ask your child to write creatively about a photo.
- Explore different genres, such as poetry, song lyrics, or non-fiction writing.
Your involvement helps pupils apply their learning and grow as confident communicators.