Writing, Grammar and Spelling at Romsey Abbey Primary School

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In English, we provide our children with limitless ambition to be equipped in the essential life
skills that English offers, enabling them to access all areas of an enriching curriculum. We
aim to communicate to children why it is important to learn skills in speaking, listening,
reading and writing and through this we unlock and inspire opportunities and aspirations
both now and in their future lives.

All of our work in English is built around a carefully selected diet of quality books for each
year group. These text drivers firstly ensure that the children become familiar with and enjoy
a wide range of quality literature throughout their primary education but also serve to provide
a meaningful and exciting context for writing. The children are given well-designed
opportunities to write for a range of purposes and audiences in tasks that have been inspired
by the wonderful books they have been exploring.

In EYFS, children learn through exploration of mark making and application of phonics skills.
In Key Stage 1, writing is primarily narrative based, focussing on recounting real and
imagined events in lively ways and gradually introducing different writing styles and text
types. In Key Stage 2, the children will explore an extensive range of writing styles and
forms, ranging from informal diaries and letters, to formal letters and persuasive speeches.
We firmly believe that grammar is best taught and explored within the context of these rich
texts and purposeful writing opportunities. As such, we have striven to couple rigorous
grammar teaching with tasks that enable those grammatical skills to add real impact to their
work. 

Spelling and handwriting have a high profile within Romsey Abbey and are areas that we are
committed to excelling in. Spelling is taught discretely in daily timetabled spellings sessions
and also revisited and applied regularly throughout the school day. Handwriting is taught
discretely 3 times a week and also referred to in all lessons to ensure pupils are applying
these skills across the curriculum.

As an integral part of the English curriculum, we believe that speaking and listening provides
our children with the opportunity to become confident, empowered and empathetic
individuals who are equipped with the life skills needed to fully participate as members of
society. We recognise the importance of speaking and listening in allowing children to
develop, spiritually, emotionally, culturally, socially and intellectually. Therefore, we aim to
give our children as many rich opportunities as possible, both inside and outside of the
classroom, to engage in and develop their speaking and listening fluency.

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Our Learning Journey Overview

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