Intent

At Maltby Manor Academy, we aim to develop confident, articulate and creative writers who can write effectively for a range of audiences and purposes. 

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure pupils progressively develop transcription, grammar, vocabulary, sentence construction and composition skills. Through meaningful writing opportunities linked to high-quality texts and wider curriculum learning, pupils learn to communicate their ideas with increasing accuracy, fluency and independence. 

Writing Rationale 

Our approach to writing is informed by educational research, including guidance from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), and is designed to develop fluent, confident and purposeful writers. Through explicit instruction, high-quality modelling and meaningful opportunities to write, pupils progressively develop the knowledge and skills needed to communicate effectively. 

 

---

Implementation

Writing is taught through a structured and progressive approach from Year 1 to Year 6. High-quality texts provide the stimulus for learning and act as models for language, structure and authorial techniques. 

 

Year 1 Foundations 

In Year 1, teaching focuses on securing the fundamentals of writing, including: 

• Accurate application of phonics. 

• Letter formation and handwriting. 

• Sentence construction. 

• Basic punctuation. 

• Oral rehearsal of ideas before writing. 

• Sequencing sentences to create simple narratives and outcomes. 

Explicit vocabulary teaching supports pupils in making increasingly effective language choices. 

 

The Writing Process (Years 2-6) 

Writing is delivered through a structured writing cycle: 

 

1. Immerse 

• Explore and analyse model texts. 

• Identify key language and organisational features. 

2. Teach 

• Explicitly teach grammar, vocabulary and sentence structures within context. 

3. Plan 

• Organise ideas through discussion, rehearsal and planning frameworks. 

4. Write 

• Compose extended pieces using taught skills and techniques. 

5. Edit and Improve 

• Review and refine writing for accuracy, clarity and effect. 

 

Consistency and Progression 

A whole-school progression document ensures knowledge, vocabulary and writing skills build systematically from Year 1 to Year 6. 

Regular moderation activities support: 

• Consistent assessment. 

• High expectations. 

• Accurate judgements. 

• Strong progression across phases. 

 

Handwriting and Presentation 

Handwriting and presentation are prioritised across the school. High expectations ensure pupils take pride in their work and present their learning clearly and effectively. 

Vocabulary and Oracy 

Rich vocabulary instruction is embedded throughout the curriculum. Pupils are explicitly taught ambitious vocabulary and are given regular opportunities to discuss, rehearse and refine ideas before writing. 

---

Impact

Pupils make strong progress as writers and develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to communicate effectively. 

Throughout the school, pupils demonstrate: 

• Secure transcription and spelling skills. 

• Accurate application of grammar and punctuation. 

• Increasing writing stamina and independence. 

• Effective vocabulary choices. 

• A clear understanding of audience and purpose. 

Through effective assessment and responsive teaching, all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, are supported to achieve success. 

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils write fluently and accurately across a wide range of genres. They leave Maltby Manor as confident writers who are well prepared for the demands of secondary education and beyond.