English

Our Writing 

At Thornton, we have adopted “The Write Stuff” by Jane Considine to improve the standard of writing across the school. The Write Stuff follows a method called “Sentence Stacking” which refers to the fact that sentences are stacked together and organised to engage children with short, intensive moments of learning that they can then apply independently to their own writing. A single lesson is based on a sentence model and is broken down into three learning chunks. Each learning chunk contains three sections:

1. Initiate- a stimulus to capture the children’s imagination and gather vocabulary and ideas in pairs, and as a class through a method of ‘kind calling out’

2. Model- the teacher models a sentence that applies the vocabulary from the first section, outlining clear writing features and technique.

3. Enable- the children use the model as a guide to write their own independent sentence.

Children are challenged to gain a silver star through ‘deepening the moment’ using previously learnt skills and applying them to their writing during that chunk.

The Write Stuff uses 'The Three Zones of Writing': The FANTASTICs (ideas), The GRAMMARISTICs (tools), and The BOOMTASTICs (techniques) to support children's learning, precision and writing.

The FANTASTICs system allows children to identify the nine elements that all text types are comprised of. When pupils are familiar with these nine elements, they are able to ensure that they are incorporated into their writing. The FANTASTICs help children to sharpen their understanding of their own and others’ writing by encouraging them to be observant and reflective.

The 9 GRAMMARISTICs cover national curriculum requirements, capturing the broad spectrum of key grammar knowledge. Discrete grammar lessons are also taught weekly to ensure specific grammar knowledge is taught and it is revisited through short burst grammar sessions to ensure the knowledge and learning is secure.

The BOOMTASTICs capture the ten powerful ways to add drama and poetic devices to writing. They help children structure their work, teaching them to showcase their writing voice, demonstrate originality and to take risks in a bid to capture the truth of a situation.

Handwriting

At Thornton, our aim is that pupils will be supported to develop a handwriting style which is clear, joined and fluid. We provide regular lessons for teaching and revising handwriting skills. The frequency and length of these lessons will vary according to the age of the children.

Formal handwriting skills will be taught regularly and systematically through the use of the PENPALS Handwriting scheme (Cambridge University Press). The scheme exploits opportunities to link handwriting with Phonics and spelling work.

The scheme is organised into five stages of handwriting:

1. Readiness for writing: gross and fine motor skills leading to letter formation (Foundation)

2. Beginning to join (Lower KS1)

3. Securing joins (Upper KS1/Lower KS2)

4. Practising speed and fluency (Lower KS2)

5. Presentation skills (Upper KS2)

It is important that children hold their pencil correctly and ensure their posture is correct.

Pencil hold

• Pencil held between finger and thumb
•  Middle finger provides extra support

Posture  

• Feet flat on the floor
• Head up, not resting on the desk or hand
• Paper at the correct angle
• Spare hand steadies the paper