At Byker Primary School, we believe that writing is one of the most powerful ways children can communicate their ideas, feelings and learn.  From the very beginning of school life, we develop fine and gross motor control, ensuring good pencil grip and letter formation is possible.

We use hooks into books and literature work to develop confident and enthusiastic writers taking pride, publishing their final pieces. Our English curriculum is designed to help every child develop a love of language, reading and writing, whilst building the skills they need for success in school and beyond.

We teach writing through engaging and meaningful texts that inspire children to write for different purposes and audiences.  Across school, vocabulary plays a pivotal role, creating confidence through speaking, reading and oral rehearsal opportunities across all subjects.  Discussion and storytelling are vital tools supporting children to articulate their ideas before transferring them into written work and our writing cycle supports this.

Alongside composition and creativity, we know that handwriting plays an essential role in becoming a successful writer.  We believe that neat, fluent and well-presented handwriting helps children take pride in their learning and supports them in communicating their ideas effectively. Through our handwriting scheme, children are taught correct letter formation, joins, spacing, sizing and presentation progressively from Early Years to Year 6.

Handwriting is taught explicitly with staff modelling high expectations and supporting children to develop confidence, fluency and stamina overtime.  Children are encouraged to apply these skills across the curriculum to embed good handwriting habits.  We recognise all children develop at their own pace and provide additional support and adaptations/interventions where needed to ensure all pupils make progress.