Intent

At Askern Moss Road Infant Academy, we believe that writing is a vital life skill which enables children to express themselves, communicate their ideas, and participate fully in the world around them. We aim to inspire all pupils to become enthusiastic, fluent, and confident writers who can use writing for purpose and pleasure. From the very beginning of their learning journey, children are immersed in a language-rich environment where high-quality texts, purposeful talk, and imaginative experiences spark curiosity and creativity. We recognise that a strong command of spoken language and vocabulary underpins success in writing, and we prioritise opportunities for children to develop oracy, extend their vocabulary, and articulate their ideas before writing. 

Our writing curriculum, underpinned by the Pathways to Write scheme, provides a clear and progressive sequence of learning from mark-making in the Early Years through to structured, independent writing by the end of Key Stage 1. In EYFS, children are encouraged to explore mark-making through play, developing fine motor skills and early writing behaviours that lay the groundwork for later success. As pupils move through school, carefully chosen texts inspire writing across a range of genres, with grammar, punctuation, and compositional skills taught in meaningful contexts. Handwriting is developed systematically through the Oxford Owl scheme, ensuring children form letters accurately and develop fluency. By building strong foundations in language, vocabulary, and communication from the earliest stage, we enable all children to develop their voice as writers and to take pride in their achievements. 

Implementation 

At Askern Moss Road Infant Academy, writing is taught through a carefully sequenced approach which builds pupils’ skills, confidence, and enjoyment of writing. Each unit begins with shared experiences and high-quality core texts designed to hook children into learning and inspire a love of language. Using the Pathways to Write scheme, teachers plan engaging sequences that immerse pupils in rich vocabulary and model high-quality writing. Lessons include modelled and shared writing, where teachers demonstrate the writing process, and children orally rehearse sentences before writing. Over time, pupils internalise language patterns and structures through repeated oral storytelling and text mapping, developing their ability to retell and innovate on familiar texts. Vocabulary development is prioritised, with explicit teaching of Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary in meaningful contexts, often through drama, discussion, and exploration linked to the wider curriculum. 

Spelling and phonics are woven into writing lessons using mantras and strategies from our Read Write Inc. phonics programme to ensure children apply their phonic knowledge when spelling. Grammar is taught in context within writing units, allowing pupils to understand how grammatical features enhance their writing purposefully rather than in isolation. Handwriting is taught discretely through the Oxford Owl handwriting scheme, supporting children to develop correct letter formation, fluency, and stamina. Writing opportunities are embedded across the wider curriculum, ensuring children write for a range of audiences and purposes. For example, in Year 1, pupils write setting descriptions inspired by their geography topic on London; in Year 2, they write explanations linked to their science work on materials and invention; and in EYFS, texts such as A Walk in the Woods inspire expressive arts projects using natural materials. This integrated, creative approach enables pupils to see writing as a tool for learning, communication, and self-expression across all areas of the curriculum