Mary Exton Primary School

English - Writing

At Mary Exton Primary School, we believe that writing is a powerful tool for communication, creativity and learning across all areas of the curriculum. We aim to develop confident writers who can express their ideas, emotions and understanding clearly, effectively and imaginatively. Through exposure to high-quality literature and rich language, pupils develop a love of words, an appreciation of different writing styles and the confidence to communicate for a range of purposes and audiences.

Our writing curriculum, underpinned by the Herts Essentials Writing programme, provides a progressive and ambitious approach from Reception to Year 6. Reading and writing are closely connected, with high-quality texts providing inspiration and models for vocabulary, structure and style. Pupils develop their knowledge and skills in composition, spelling, punctuation, grammar and handwriting, learning how to write effectively for different purposes and audiences. Through carefully sequenced learning, children build on prior knowledge, revisit key skills and develop increasing control and independence as writers.

Writing is taught through a structured process that includes generating ideas, planning, drafting, revising, editing and evaluating. Teachers explicitly model writing techniques, including sentence construction, vocabulary choices, grammar and punctuation, while providing opportunities for pupils to discuss and rehearse their ideas before writing. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are taught in meaningful contexts so pupils understand how language choices affect meaning and impact. Lessons are adapted to ensure all pupils can access learning, using appropriate scaffolds and support while maintaining high expectations. Writing skills are applied across the curriculum, allowing pupils to see writing as a valuable tool for communication and learning. Ongoing assessment and feedback help pupils identify next steps, refine their work and develop confidence as independent writers.

The impact of our writing curriculum is seen in pupils who write with increasing confidence, accuracy and creativity. Children are able to adapt their writing for different audiences and purposes, use ambitious vocabulary, apply grammatical knowledge effectively and take pride in the presentation of their work. By the time pupils leave Mary Exton, they are reflective and capable writers who have developed the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in secondary education and beyond.

Useful Documents
Below you will find a range of documents that provide an overview of the writing curriculum at Mary Exton Primary School. These include information about what children will be learning in each year group, how writing skills progress as children move through the school, and the expectations for spelling, grammar and handwriting. You will also find guidance on how you can support and encourage your child’s writing at home, helping to build confidence, fluency and enjoyment in writing.