Writing and Spelling

Writing

At St Michael & All Angels, we believe that writing is a powerful tool for communication, creativity and self‑expression.

Our writing curriculum is designed to nurture confident, articulate writers who can craft meaningful texts for a range of purposes and audiences. While reading sits at the very heart of our English vision, building curiosity, broadening world knowledge and celebrating diversity, our writing curriculum is where children transform that inspiration into their own authentic voice.

Our Vision for Writing

We hold the highest expectations for every pupil at St Michael & All Angels. From the early years through to Year 6, children are encouraged to develop the skills, stamina and imagination needed to write with clarity, accuracy and flair.

We provide rich and varied opportunities for pupils to speak, read and write across the curriculum, ensuring writing becomes a natural and purposeful part of their school experience.

A 'Text‑Based' Approach

We use a high‑quality, text‑based curriculum to anchor our writing lessons. Carefully chosen books serve as inspirational models, exposing children to ambitious vocabulary, rich language patterns and a wide range of writing styles.

By immersing children in engaging stories and information texts, they are able to:

Understand structure and style before applying these features in their own writing
Develop empathy and imagination, supporting deeper comprehension and richer written outcomes
Encounter new perspectives, promoting inclusive and reflective writing
Build subject knowledge, enhancing accuracy and purpose in non‑fiction writing

This approach allows children to fully engage with a text over time, creating meaningful links between reading and writing while strengthening their understanding and enjoyment.

Progressive, Purposeful Writing Opportunities

Our English lessons are thoughtfully planned to be imaginative, progressive and tailored to the needs of our learners. Each unit includes a range of writing tasks, such as stories, diaries, letters, explanations, reports, persuasive pieces and poetry, allowing children to build a strong and versatile writing toolkit.

Across school, children are given many opportunities to:

Write across the curriculum, ensuring writing is purposeful and linked to real learning.
Develop both fiction and non‑fiction skills, building adaptability and confidence.
Practise planning, drafting, revising and publishing, understanding writing as a process.
Use vocabulary and grammar intentionally, supported by high‑quality modelling and shared writing.
Build stamina and independence through regular extended writing sessions.

Outcomes That Matter

Our consistent, text‑rich approach results in pupils who:

Write with enjoyment, resilience and pride
Draw on a wide bank of language, ideas and writing techniques
Understand how to adapt their writing for different audiences and purposes
Communicate clearly and creatively
See themselves as real writers with something valuable to say

Through high expectations, inspiring texts and purposeful practice, we ensure that every child leaves our school with the essential writing skills needed for the next stage of their education and the confidence to use their voice in the world.

English Glossary

Spelling

At St Michael & All Angels, we recognise that confident spelling is an essential foundation for successful writing. Our approach to teaching spelling is systematic, consistent and progressive, ensuring every child develops the knowledge and strategies they need to become secure, independent spellers.

A Structured Progression from Year 2 to Year 6

From Year 2 to Year 6, children take part in discrete, focused spelling lessons each week. These lessons build on prior knowledge and are designed to develop both accuracy and understanding.

Year 2 follow the Little Wandle Bridge to Spelling programme, which seamlessly continues the work begun through Little Wandle Phonics in EYFS and Year 1.

Years 3–6 use the highly engaging Spelling Shed scheme, which provides structured teaching sequences, interactive games and purposeful word lists tailored to each year group.

Teaching for Real Understanding

We work hard to ensure spelling teaching is relevant, memorable and meaningful. Rather than encouraging children to memorise isolated lists of words, we focus on:

Teaching patterns and rules so children understand why words are spelled the way they are
Helping pupils apply their knowledge across a wide range of vocabulary
Building strong phonological, morphological and etymological understanding
Encouraging children to notice, explore and investigate words independently

By learning spelling as a system rather than as disconnected facts, children become more resilient and flexible writers, able to apply their knowledge confidently in new contexts.

High Frequency & Common Exception Words

Alongside spelling rules and patterns, children also regularly practise high‑frequency words—the words they are most likely to read and write every day. Securing these helps pupils write more fluently and accurately, reducing cognitive load so they can focus on meaning, grammar and creativity.

Supporting Spelling at Home

We value a strong partnership with families and encourage regular practice beyond school. Below you will find resources to support your child’s spelling at home.

Each week, teachers set tasks through the Spelling Shed website, where you can access:

Weekly spelling lists
High‑frequency and common exception words
Fun, interactive activities personalised to your child’s level

These activities reinforce classroom learning and help children consolidate their spelling knowledge in an enjoyable and motivating way.

National Curriculum - Spelling

Spelling Shed This website is used by children from Y3 to Y6 for home learning to further consolidate spellings that have been learnt in class that week.

Whole School Writing Overview pdf