At Hillside, we aim to inspire a love of writing and develop confident, capable writers who can express themselves effectively through the written word. We believe that writing is a powerful tool for communication, creativity and learning. Our bespoke curriculum enables pupils to write clearly, accurately and coherently for a wide range of purposes and audiences while developing a secure understanding of grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary appropriate to their age and stage of development.

We encourage children to develop an awareness of structure, creativity and author voice, helping them to understand how writing can be adapted to achieve different effects. Through regular opportunities to plan, draft, edit and improve their work, pupils build the resilience and independence needed to become successful writers.

Throughout their journey at Hillside, children make steady progress in their writing skills. In Nursery and Reception (EYFS), pupils begin by developing mark-making skills before progressing to writing simple words and sentences that can be read by themselves and others. In Key Stage 1, children learn to write sentences that form short narratives and information texts, using basic punctuation and conjunctions. During Lower Key Stage 2, pupils develop their ability to organise ideas into paragraphs and write with increasing awareness of audience and purpose. By Upper Key Stage 2, children are able to write confidently for a range of purposes and audiences, demonstrating effective control of tone, register and structure.

Our teaching of writing is carefully structured to support all learners. Teachers use modelled and shared writing to demonstrate techniques and make the writing process explicit. Children then apply these skills through guided and independent writing activities, gradually developing greater independence and confidence. Planning, drafting, revising and proofreading are embedded throughout the writing process, ensuring pupils understand how to improve and refine their work.

Writing is taught within meaningful and purposeful contexts, often linked to high-quality literature, real-life experiences and cross-curricular topics. Grammar and spelling are taught both discretely and within writing lessons, enabling children to apply their learning in authentic contexts. Vocabulary development is a key focus, supported by rich reading experiences and high-quality discussion that broaden children's language and deepen their understanding.

Assessment is an integral part of our writing curriculum. Teachers use ongoing formative assessment through live marking, peer and self-assessment, and regular feedback to support pupils' progress. Summative assessments are completed through moderated writing samples each term and are measured against National Curriculum expectations. Writing portfolios and progression grids are used to track development over time and celebrate achievement. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their own learning and can confidently discuss the features of effective writing as well as identify their next steps for improvement.

We provide a range of enrichment opportunities to motivate and inspire young writers. These include writing competitions, publishing and displaying work, cross-curricular writing projects and opportunities to engage with visiting authors. Such experiences help children to see themselves as real writers and understand the value of writing beyond the classroom.

Writing at Hillside is closely linked to both reading and oracy. Through exposure to high-quality texts, pupils gain valuable models for their own writing and develop a rich understanding of language. Speaking and listening activities provide opportunities for children to explore ideas, develop vocabulary and rehearse language before writing, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and confidence needed to succeed.