Writing
Mrs Winnan - Subject Lead
In Years 1-6, our writing lessons follow the Grammarsaurus writing scheme for writing which has enables our children to learn to write a range of genres through planned units which include modelled, shared and guided writing. The teaching and learning of grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS) is linked to our units of writing through our bespoke curriculum which has been designed by us to maximise learning of the local area. The English curriculum has been carefully planned from a core text stimulus and explicit links are made between English, History, Geography and Science units of work.
Our Reception pupils experience an objective-led curriculum with daily literacy and phonics lessons linked to the Read, Write Inc programme. Our Key stage 1 writers transition to fluency in the application of phonics into their writing and progressively build to whole class units of work linked to core texts, carefully chosen for the age and stage of the children and taught using the Grammarsaurus approach.
Spelling
At Treleigh we teach spelling using two programmes as a support. From EYFS to Year two we use Read, Write, Inc. to teach our children to spell accurately. In Year 2 all children access the Read, Write, Inc. Spelling programme and spelling lessons are taught for an hour, once a week.
For children in Year 3 - 6 we use a spelling programme called Emile.
Emile Education is an award-winning platform dedicated to making learning engaging and effective through innovative, gamified resources. Designed to align with the curriculum, Emile offers interactive activities in mathematics, literacy, phonics, and more, helping students develop essential skills while fostering a love for learning. Students can practice key areas such as times tables, spelling, and SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar), ensuring they build a strong foundation in core subjects. The platform is trusted by schools nationwide for its proven ability to enhance educational outcomes. Each child has their own unique login, enabling them to access personalised tasks and activities. We encourage parents and guardians to support their children by motivating them to complete assigned tasks and explore the website regularly, ensuring they fully benefit from this valuable learning tool.
Handwriting
At Treleigh the children will be taught to develop a neat, legible script through regular handwriting lessons from Reception to Year 6. It is our aim to provide a balanced and continuous teaching programme for handwriting.
In stage 1, children will practise correct letter formation and they will learn where to place the letters on the writing line. In stage 2, Children learn a mature style of writing that will lead to joined-up writing. In stage 3, children will learn basic handwriting joins.
From year 1 onwards, children will also follow the Penpals scheme for handwriting. Penpals offers clear progression for handwriting through five developmental stages. It teaches children a fast and fluent handwriting style to help them achieve their potential in writing.
At Treleigh, all children have the opportunity to write in pen for English and other topic related writing as this supports children with developing writing fluency. Pens will be allocated to children who are deemed as ready for their Treleigh Pen Licence.
Handwriting position
Teach children that when you use the handwriting signal they automatically go into the perfect
handwriting position:
• feet flat on the floor
• bottom at the back of the chair
• body one fist from the table
• shoulders down and relaxed
• back leaning forward slightly
• left/right hand holding the page
• left/right hand ready in a tripod grip – click here to see how to teach a child the correct pen grip