Writing intent statement

At Westminster, writing is a fundamental skill within our curriculum, serving as a key mode of expression and communication across all subjects. Through writing, students learn to articulate their thoughts, ideas, and creativity, building the foundation for academic success. Our writing curriculum aims to develop students into confident, articulate writers who can express themselves clearly and effectively in various forms.

Our writing curriculum is inclusive, designed to meet the diverse needs of all students. We provide a range of writing opportunities and support strategies that cater to different learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds, ensuring every student can succeed as a writer. To engage students, we incorporate a variety of writing activities, from creative storytelling to informative pieces, that spark imagination and encourage a love for writing.

Students explore a wide range of writing genres, including narrative, persuasive, informational, descriptive writing and poetry. They learn key writing concepts such as structure, coherence, and voice, which will be revisited and deepened as they progress through the school. Our curriculum focuses on developing essential writing skills, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, and the ability to organise and present ideas logically. As pupils advance, they will build upon these skills, moving from simple sentence construction to more complex, structured compositions, preparing them for the demands of secondary school.

Our teaching strategies for writing include explicit instruction, modelling, guided practice, and independent writing activities, all within a framework that emphasises the writing process. Our units have a clear purpose and audience, ensuring that each writing task is meaningful and relevant to students. We incorporate this by helping pupils understand the importance of writing with intent, whether they are crafting a story, composing an informative piece, or persuading their readers. Pupils have the opportunity to read as writers, see high-quality models, generate ideas, plan, draft, revise and edit before publishing their pieces.

Our children have opportunities to participate in writing competitions and author visits which enhance their writing skills and inspire them to pursue their interests in writing beyond the classroom. Our curriculum includes exposure to diverse authors and writing styles from various cultures and perspectives, helping students to develop cultural awareness and appreciation. This approach fosters a broader understanding of the world and encourages students to express their own unique voices. The school maintains regular communication with parents about their child’s writing progress through parents’ evenings and reports, ensuring that parents are informed and involved in their child's writing education.

Our writing curriculum prepares students for future learning by equipping them with the skills needed for effective written communication in all academic areas and in life. As students develop their writing abilities, they acquire transferable skills such as critical thinking, organisation, and creativity, which are valuable across various subjects and future career paths. These skills are essential for success in secondary education and are crucial for any profession, where clear and effective writing is a key component of success.

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