Writing

“Your light must shine before people.” – Matthew 5:16

We use writing to express our truth, share our voice and communicate thoughtfully within our community.

At St Bernadette Primary School, our Writing curriculum is designed to develop confident, creative and accurate writers who can communicate effectively for a range of purposes and audiences. As an accredited Storytelling School, we use storytelling techniques to immerse pupils in traditional and cultural stories, building strong oracy, language development and memory skills. This whole-school approach enables pupils to learn, retell and innovate stories with confidence, supporting them to adapt their writing creatively for different audiences and purposes.

Writing is taught through a carefully sequenced and progressive curriculum from Early Years to Year 6. In EYFS, writing is developed through phonics, child-initiated learning and adult-led opportunities, with a strong focus on early transcription skills and sentence development. In Key Stage 1 and 2, pupils follow structured writing units based on high-quality texts and themes, with regular opportunities for extended writing and application across the curriculum.

Grammar, punctuation and vocabulary are embedded within writing lessons so that pupils learn and apply skills in context. Spelling is taught systematically using Read Write Inc. Spelling in Key Stage 2, supporting pupils to develop secure understanding of spelling patterns and rules through regular practice and application. Handwriting is taught regularly using the Nelson scheme, ensuring clear progression in fluency, formation and presentation.

Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, our Writing curriculum promotes dignity, voice and respect for others by encouraging pupils to express ideas clearly, reflect on the world around them and communicate with purpose and integrity.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are fluent, confident writers who can adapt their writing for different purposes, apply grammar accurately in context and use language creatively and effectively.