Reception and Key Stage 1 – Talk for Writing

Children in Reception and Key Stage 1 learn to write through Talk for Writing, created by Pie Corbett and his team. This practical approach mirrors how children learn best by hearing, speaking and playing with language.

They begin by imitating a model text to absorb its rhythm and structure. Next, they innovate the piece together, adapting ideas and vocabulary. Finally, they invent their own independent version.

This process builds confidence, vocabulary and a deep understanding of how effective writing works. Lessons are active, engaging and designed to help children think, talk and write like real authors.

Key Stage 2 – A Novel Approach

In Key Stage 2, writing is taught through A Novel Approach. Each term centres on a high-quality text chosen for its richness in language, theme or structure.

Through these Novel Studies, children explore meaning, vocabulary and author techniques while developing their own writing for real purposes and audiences. By the end of Key Stage 2, they have encountered a wide range of literature that builds empathy, curiosity and a lifelong love of reading and writing.

Our curriculum helps children communicate clearly, think creatively and write with precision and pride.

Spelling Across the School

We want every child to become a confident, accurate speller.

In Key Stage 1, strong phonics foundations and the national curriculum support early spelling. In Key Stage 2, we use Spelling Shed to teach rules, patterns and strategies in a fun, consistent way. Weekly lessons introduce new learning and revisit it across subjects so children apply their knowledge in everyday writing.