Handwriting
At Callington Primary School we use the Read Write Inc. (RWI) handwriting approach to support children in developing clear, confident writing skills. This structured programme aligns with the Department for Education Writing Framework, ensuring that our teaching reflects national expectations for early writing development. Handwriting is a foundational skill that underpins all areas of learning, enabling children to communicate their ideas effectively and with increasing confidence. By teaching consistent letter formation, posture, and pencil grip, we help every child develop the automaticity they need so they can focus on the content of their writing, not just the mechanics.
Structure of Read Write Inc. Handwriting
We teach children to read Set 1 sounds from the start of Reception as part of their Read Write Inc. Phonics lessons. Children first learn to form letters while they learn to read Set 1 letter-sounds in Reception.
As soon as they can read Set 1 sounds, we teach a separate daily 10-minute handwriting lesson. These handwriting lessons are at a different time from the Read Write Inc. lesson.
In Read Write Inc., we teach handwriting in four stages.
- Stage 1 begins as soon as most children can read Set 1 sounds. We teach children to form letters correctly.
- Stage 2 begins during Year 1. Children learn the relative size of letters and to form letters that will flow easily into a joined style.
- Stage 3 follows straight on. Children learn how to join letters using two basic joins – the ‘bridge’ join, the ‘hill’ join and the two variations on each.
- Stage 4 helps children develop a mature and speedy style.
Each stage ensures pupils meet the National Curriculum requirements for handwriting.
Drawing Club
In our Foundation classes, we use Greg Bottrill’s Drawing Club approach to inspire a love of storytelling, imagination, and early writing. Drawing Club is a creative, play-based approach where children explore exciting texts, images, and animations, then respond through drawing, talk, and writing. Each session follows a simple structure that builds excitement and curiosity, encouraging children to invent characters, settings, and adventures. Through rich storytelling and shared experiences, children develop their vocabulary, confidence, and enthusiasm for communicating their ideas.
Our mark making journey begins with drawing, allowing children to express their ideas visually before gradually introducing writing as the year progresses. Children move from drawing to using dictated graphemes, then to dictated words using the sounds they have been taught, and finally to writing simple dictated phrases or sentences. This carefully sequenced progression supports children in applying their phonics knowledge in a meaningful and engaging context. By combining creativity with structured skill development, we help every child grow as a confident and capable early writer.
Literacy Tree
Literacy Tree is a complete, book-based platform for primary schools that covers all requirements of the Primary English curriculum.
At Callington Primary School, we use it as our main scheme of work for teaching English from Year 1 to Year 6. The carefully chosen books help children grow their ideas, spark imagination, and develop a love of reading. Literacy Tree selects high-quality and significant children’s literature to form the foundation of all learning.
At the heart of Literacy Tree are the Writing Roots. These are carefully planned, book-based sequences that ensure full curriculum coverage while engaging children in meaningful writing. Through the “Teach Through a Text” approach, children learn to write with a clear audience and purpose, building both confidence and creativity.
Alongside Writing Roots, we use Literary Leaves to support whole-class guided reading from Year 2 to Year 6. These sessions guide children through complete texts using a range of structured activities that develop reading comprehension and encourage critical thinking. Literary Leaves include novels, poetry, and high-quality non-fiction, all thoughtfully linked to Writing Roots through shared literary themes.
