Writing at Discovery Primary Academy

At Discovery Primary Academy, we use CUSP writing from Year 1 to Year 6 as the scheme for teaching writing. CUSP is underpinned by evidence, research and cognitive science. This ensures a consistent approach to teaching the skills of writing across the academy. Therefore, children know what to expect within all classrooms. 

Our writing units are taught as ‘blocks’ and within each unit, all children are provided with a knowledge organiser, high-quality model text and knowledge notes. Within each unit, we focus on writing skills (embedding grammar and punctuation) and after that, the children put those skills into practice and produce a piece of independent writing. Within our lessons, there is an emphasis on oracy and vocabulary. This will include children orally rehearsing their ideas before applying this to their writing. We follow the writing process – plan, draft (oral then written), evaluate, edit, publish – and understand that as the children get competent, they will draft, evaluate and edit multiple times. Within our writing curriculum, we heavily focus on transcription skills (handwriting and spelling) as we understand the importance of embedding the early foundations of writing (especially in EYFS and KS1, but also for any new starters) to ensure they become fluent writers and be Year 7 ready. Teachers assess the piece of writing to identify areas that the children will need to be taught specifically within further units. 

Handwriting

When communicating ideas in writing, it is important that children use a handwriting style which is neat and legible. The importance of handwriting should not be underestimated. It is vital that children can write quickly, comfortably and legibly as it is a skill needed in many curriculum areas. 
 Aims:

• To develop a joined, confident handwriting style that is clear, legible, fluent and consistent throughout EYFS, Key Stages 1 and 2.
• To instil a positive attitude towards handwriting. 
• To present work in a neat and orderly fashion appropriate to the task. 

Children, EYFS through to Year 6, use the Nelson Handwriting Scheme. Pupils are expected to be taught distinct handwriting lessons at least 3 times per week, with the lessons lasting no less than 20 minutes. 
Children who display specific difficulties with handwriting will have these addressed through such interventions as rubber pencil grips, using alternative writing media etc.

Spelling

Spelling Shed is an engaging, structured approach to spelling that supports pupils in developing accurate and automatic spelling skills. Rooted in the National Curriculum, it teaches spelling patterns, rules and word structures through a clear progression. Lessons help children build a deeper understanding of how words work, including sounds (phonology), letter patterns (orthography), word structure (morphology) and word origins (etymology), enabling them to become more confident, fluent writers.

Each week, pupils explore a set of words linked by a common spelling pattern through a sequence of lessons. These include revisiting prior learning, explicit teaching and independent practice, alongside regular partner tests and dictation to reinforce learning in context. With interactive activities and opportunities for consolidation, Spelling Shed provides a consistent and effective approach to mastering spelling both in school and at home.

Spelling Shed supports home learning by giving pupils access to the same word lists and interactive activities outside the classroom. Each child has their own login, allowing them to practise weekly spelling patterns through engaging online games and tasks. This helps to reinforce learning in a fun and motivating way, ensuring that practice at home closely matches what is being taught in school and enabling parents to support their child’s progress.

Children can access the online learning here: https://www.edshed.com/en-gb/login