Writing
Transcription skills form the foundation of confident writing. At Martongate, these skills are taught systematically so that pupils develop fluent, accurate and automatic writing habits. When transcription becomes secure, pupils are able to direct more of their working memory towards shaping ideas, selecting vocabulary and crafting effective compositions.
Handwriting
Handwriting is taught explicitly across Key Stage 2. At the start of every English lesson, pupils take part in focused handwriting practice.
- In Lower Key Stage 2, teaching follows the school’s handwriting progression with an emphasis on secure letter formation.
- As pupils gain fluency, they move on to writing dictated passages to develop speed, stamina and legibility. These passages incorporate current spelling patterns to reinforce learning.
Pupils who require additional support receive targeted intervention using the Martin Harvey sequence, ensuring every child has the opportunity to develop fluent handwriting. High standards of handwriting are expected across all subjects.
Spelling
Spelling is taught daily in Key Stage 2 through a small steps and high-practice approach. Spelling Shed is used to complement teaching and provide structured practice.
At the start of the year, pupils complete the Spelling Shed diagnostic tool to identify the most appropriate spelling stage.
Talk for Writing
Learning to write with confidence is a vital part of pupils’ development. Strong writing skills support success across the curriculum and beyond school. At Martongate, pupils are encouraged to see themselves as authors, drawing on a rich study of high-quality texts.
Our writing curriculum enables pupils to write in a wide range of genres, including narrative, non-fiction and poetry. We use strategies from the Talk for Writing approach from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring a consistent and progressive model for teaching text types and meeting National Curriculum expectations.
We believe that “if children can’t say it, they can’t write it.” Oral rehearsal and composition are therefore embedded throughout the writing process.
Our whole-school writing hub provides teachers with clear guidance on:
- the stages of the Talk for Writing process
- genre-specific toolkits
- progressive grammar expectations for each year group
What Our Writing Lessons Look Like
- Carefully designed, text-led learning journeys with a clear purpose and end outcome
- A consistent writing process: planning, drafting, sharing, evaluating, revising, editing and publishing
- A range of engaging teaching strategies, including group discussion, partner talk, questioning, modelled writing and shared writing
- Opportunities for exploration through drama, role-play, hot-seating, debates and performance
- Regular short-burst writing to apply skills in meaningful contexts
- Discrete grammar teaching matched to the genre, enabling pupils to apply learning in their independent writing