Writing

At Hawkesley, our intent in implementing Talk for Writing is to foster a love of writing and enhance literacy skills across the entire primary curriculum. We aim to equip our pupils with the ability to express themselves creatively and effectively through spoken and written word. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that every child feels valued and inspired to share their ideas, building a community of passionate storytellers who write with integrity and strive for greatness. We prioritise the importance of honesty in communication, encouraging pupils to be truthful in their narratives and personal expression, while cultivating trust among peers and teachers. Our strong emphasis on these values not only enriches their literacy skills but also forms a solid foundation for their overall personal development.

Implementation

To implement Talk for Writing effectively, we adopt a structured yet flexible approach that meets the varied needs of our pupils, rooted in our core values:

• Training and Development: All staff receive ongoing professional development in Talk for Writing techniques, ensuring they embody our values in their teaching and effectively engage students.
• Sequential Learning Process: Our curriculum follows the three-phase model of Talk for Writing: ‘Internalising the text’, ‘Innovation’, and ‘Invention’. This approach builds familiarity, creativity, and independence in writing, encouraging pupils to approach their tasks with a sense of love for the craft.
• Internalising the text: Pupils are introduced to high-quality texts, analysed through guided discussions rooted in honesty and integrity, allowing them to connect with stories authentically.
• Innovation: Pupils create their own unique versions of texts, modifying key elements, nurturing their love for storytelling, and supporting their aspiration for greatness.
• Invention: Pupils engage in independent writing tasks, using the skills learned to create original pieces that reflect their passion and personal expression.

• Talk Structures: Regular use of structured partner discussions and role-play promotes collaboration, reinforcing trust among peers and encouraging a supportive learning environment that values honest feedback.
• Assessment for Learning: Frequent formative assessments are employed to identify pupil progress, providing honest feedback that informs future teaching and promotes integrity in their learning journey.
• Integration Across the Curriculum: The principles of Talk for Writing are embedded in all subject areas, allowing pupils to transfer their skills and apply their learning in different contexts, always grounded in our core values.

Impact

The impact of our Talk for Writing approach is significant and measurable, contributing to positive outcomes for our pupils that reflect our intertwined values. Evidence includes:

• Writing Outcomes: National assessments and internal tracking consistently indicate a high percentage of pupils reaching age-related expectations and greater depth in writing across all year groups, showcasing their commitment to greatness.
• Pupil Voice: Feedback from pupil surveys demonstrates a considerable increase in confidence and enjoyment of writing, with many expressing a desire to write for pleasure beyond the classroom, embodying our value of love.
• Engagement and Participation: Observations reveal high levels of engagement during writing sessions, where pupils actively participate in discussions, demonstrating trust and collaboration.
• Lifelong Skills: Our pupils develop critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills that prepare them for effective communication in everyday life, symbolizing the greatness we aspire to cultivate.
• Sustained Improvement: Our tracking indicates a trend of continuous improvement, with targeted interventions leading to positive outcomes for disadvantaged groups, ensuring inclusivity and equity, which reflect our commitment to integrity.

Through our commitment to the Talk for Writing methodology, Hawkesley is dedicated to nurturing confident, articulate writers who can express themselves powerfully and contribute positively to their communities, interweaving our core values throughout the learning process. This commitment ensures a high-quality educational experience for all our pupils.