Writing Intent at AJA

“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”

John Keating

At Alvaston Junior Academy, we believe that all pupils should be able to confidently communicate their knowledge, ideas and emotions through their writing. We want pupils to acquire a wide vocabulary, a solid understanding of grammar and be able to spell new words by effectively applying the spelling patterns and rules they learn. We want them to write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences. We believe that all pupils should be encouraged to take pride in the presentation of their writing, in part by developing a good, joined, handwriting style by the time they move to secondary school. We believe that all good writers refine and edit their writing over time, so we want children to develop independence in being able to identify their own areas for improvement in all pieces of writing, editing their work effectively during and after the writing process. We do not put ceilings on what pupils can achieve in writing and we do not hold pre-conceptions about any pupils’ ability to make progress.

We strive to achieve this through providing a range of fiction and non-fiction books and using aspects of ‘Talk for Writing’, and Alan Peat’s ‘writing exciting sentences’. These tools are used and adapted across the school as a vehicle for teaching creative writing. Enjoyment of writing is fostered through the use of drama, story and the use of IT.

We aim to deliver an inspiring and engaging English curriculum through high quality teaching and exciting lessons. Writing is a crucial part of our curriculum. All children are provided with many opportunities to develop and apply their writing skills across all areas of the curriculum.  At Alvaston Junior Academy, we use high-quality texts to immerse children in a vocabulary rich learning environment; we ensure that curriculum expectations and the progression of skills are met. Through exposure to a language rich, creative and continuous English curriculum, the children will not only become primary literate but will also develop a love of creative writing and purposeful speaking and listening.

Teachers are aware of differing groups of learners and vulnerable children in their class; they plan and teach to suit the needs of the children in their class. We recognise that each child has their own starting point upon entry to every year group and progress is measured in line with these starting points to ensure every child can celebrate success.