At Cavendish CE Primary School, we believe that writing matters because stories matter. Children deserve to see their own lives, experiences, and voices reflected in the texts they read and the writing they create. Through carefully chosen, high-quality literature, we open windows into the lives of others and encourage pupils to think deeply about the world around them.
Our writing curriculum is built around award-winning, thoughtfully selected texts that spark imagination and deepen understanding. We do not shy away from important issues such as social justice, representation, and diverse cultures. Instead, we embrace them, using rich literature as a starting point for meaningful discussion, reflection, and creativity.
Children are immersed in rich literary experiences that inspire curiosity and enthusiasm for reading and writing. Through drama, debate, and purposeful discussion, pupils explore key themes, develop empathy, and build the language they need to express their ideas confidently. Writing is never an isolated task; it is rooted in talk, exploration, and genuine engagement with the text.
Our approach is carefully layered and progressive. Lessons connect across units, terms, and year groups, ensuring that skills are revisited and strengthened over time. Writing opportunities are deliberately planned so that children can practise, refine, and apply their learning in different contexts, helping knowledge and skills to stick.
Above all, we give children frequent and sustained opportunities to write at length, with clear purpose and real audiences in mind. This enables them to develop stamina, fluency, and confidence as writers. As highlighted in the Ofsted Research Review Series: English:
“Opportunities to write frequently and at length can support pupils to become fluent and effective writers.”
By combining high-quality texts, thoughtful pedagogy, and meaningful writing opportunities, we nurture children who enjoy writing, understand its power, and feel confident using their voice to communicate ideas, stories, and perspectives.