English

At Oak View Primary & Nursery School, writing is taught every day for approximately 1 hour. A carefully planned genre map ensures that children are exposed to a wide range of text types throughout the year. Each writing unit follows a structured sequence of lessons, referred to as the 'Phases of Writing'.

Phases for Writing

1. The teacher introduces the genre, shares the Steps to Success and WAGOLL, and teaches the key features of the genre that children are working towards.
2. Teachers should immerse children in the genre and text through engaging activities, including drama, to prepare for the final piece.
3. Teachers must plan and teach logically sequenced lessons that develop the skills needed for the writing goal, refer to assessment statements to meet year group standards, and provide opportunities for extended writing and editing with developmental feedback.
4. Teachers must plan and teach lessons where children plan, draft and edit pieces of writing that build towards their final piece.
5. The teaching sequence should lead to an independent final piece in the studied genre, which children can be proud of, display, share with parents, or use as WAGOLL examples for the next year group.
6. Once per half term, work is published either for display or to take home.

A WAGOLL is developed from the stimulus text to help students recognise and replicate key features in their own writing. Non-fiction units are also taught using a high-quality WAGOLL, which may be based on a stimulus text or linked to another curriculum area.

W - What

A - A

G - Good

O - One

L - Looks

L – Like

Modelling in primary English lessons is essential for providing students with high-quality examples of writing. It helps to clarify expectations, demonstrate key writing skills, and highlight the features of different genres. Through clear, structured models, pupils gain a deeper understanding of what successful writing looks like, which in turn enables them to apply these techniques in their own work. By observing the teacher’s thought process and approach to writing, students can develop confidence in their abilities, improve their skills, and ultimately achieve higher standards in their own writing.