Hempnall Primary School

We teach writing through a text-based approach at Hempnall Primary School, linking our writing to engaging books. We use Literacy Tree, following their 'Writing Roots' to support our planning and teaching of writing. We work hard to motivate children and make writing enjoyable for them. We encourage children to write with purpose for real audiences. 

In Key Stage 2, we encourage children to take responsibility for proofreading and editing their own writing. 

Once children have completed our Phonics programme, they move onto Whole Class Guided Reading. This develops children's reading fluency and reading comprehension. We use books from 'The Reading Spine' in our Whole Class Guided Reading lessons and teach children how to use 'VIPERS' skills to support their reading comprehension. 

 

We provide children with plenty of opportunities to read in school. Each class has time in the library each week, where they are invited to choose a book to take out and enjoy. Children have the opportunity to 'Get lost in a Book' and read for pleasure every afternoon, after lunch. Teachers in all classes also share a book with their class daily, reading aloud to them. 

 

We use 'Spelling Shed' to support our teaching of Spelling at Hempnall Primary School. Children focus on 10 spellings each week. They receive spelling lessons to help them to learn these words and spelling patterns and also have opportunities to independently practise their words. 

 

At Hempnall Primary School, we follow The Nelson Handwriting Scheme. This is a whole-school programme to help all children develop a confident, legible, joined, personal writing style. This handwriting scheme runs from Reception through to Year 6. 

Grammar and Punctuation is taught in the context of our daily Writing lessons. In Key Stage 2, it is also taught explicitly in discrete lessons. 

 

At Hempnall Primary School, we recognise the importance of oracy. We provide opportunities across the curriculum for children to learn, and develop, the skills needed for them to clearly articulate their ideas and engage with others through spoken language.