The Writing Process at Hardwick Green Academy
Hardwick Green Academy – Writing Curriculum Overview
From Year 2 onwards, once pupils have successfully completed the comprehensive Read Write Inc. phonics programme, we implement a blended writing curriculum that combines:
• CLPE’s Power of Reading – forming the core of our English curriculum, this literature-based approach fosters a deep love of reading and provides rich opportunities for creative and meaningful writing.
• Grammarsaurus Writing Construct – supporting and enhancing our writing provision, this structured framework ensures children develop a strong grasp of grammar, genre-specific features, and writing progression through model texts and scaffolded tasks.
This combination allows us to deliver a balanced and engaging writing curriculum that nurtures creativity, builds technical skill, and supports all learners to become confident, capable writers.
What is The Power of
Reading?
• The Power of Reading is CLPE’s flagship programme, developed over 17+ years and grounded in 50 years of literacy research. It aims to:
• Improve reading and writing attainment
• Foster a love of reading
• Support whole-school literacy development
• Enhance teacher subject knowledge and pedagogy
• It integrates reading, writing, speaking, and listening through creative teaching approaches and high-quality texts.
What Is the Grammarsaurus Writing Construct?
Grammarsaurus is a teacher-created resource platform that offers:
• Model texts across genres
• Grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS) resources
• Writing progression frameworks
• Curriculum-aligned planning tools
It’s designed to help children master writing through explicit grammar instruction and genre immersion.
Core Features of the Writing Construct
The Grammarsaurus writing approach typically follows this structure:
1.Diagnostic Tasks – Assess prior knowledge of the genre.
2.Text Deconstruction – Study model texts to identify grammatical, presentational, and language features.
3.Contextualised Construction – Practice specific features in short writing bursts.
4.Reconstruction – Compose full texts using learned features.
5.Assessment & Feedback – Review writing against genre-specific criteria and refine through editing
The Writing Construct
How The Grammarsaurus Construct Enhances Power of Reading
While Power of Reading focuses on deep engagement with literature and creative responses, Grammarsaurus adds:
• Explicit grammar instruction
• Genre-specific writing scaffolds
• Clear progression and assessment tools
Together, they offer a balanced literacy curriculum—rich in creativity and grounded in technical skill.
DfE Writing Framework – Key Recommendations
1.Writing is foundational: Prioritise writing as essential for learning and life success.
2.Simple View of Writing: Develop both transcription (spelling, handwriting, typing) and composition (ideas, structure, grammar).
3.Oracy matters: Strengthen spoken language to support writing development.
4.Explicit teaching: Teach writing skills directly and systematically, including grammar and sentence construction.
5.Practice and fluency: Provide regular opportunities for purposeful writing across subjects.
6.Support struggling writers: Identify early and offer targeted interventions.
7.Transitions: Prepare pupils for the shift from KS2 to KS3 writing expectations.
8.Leadership: Build a strong writing culture through staff development and curriculum coherence.
9.Assessment: Use formative and summative assessment to inform teaching and track progress.
Power of Reading
Recommendation
Writing is foundational Embeds writing in rich, meaningful contexts through high-quality texts.
Provides structured progression and genre-specific writing models.
Simple View of Writing Develops composition through oral rehearsal, drama, and text immersion. Builds transcription skills via explicit grammar, spelling, and sentencelevel work.
How our approach aligns with DfE Writing Framework
Oracy matters Prioritises talk for writing, enhancing spoken language before writing.
Encourages oral rehearsal and sentence construction activities.
Explicit teaching Combines creative approaches with direct teaching of writing techniques. Offers clear, scaffolded grammar and writing lessons.
Practice and fluency Encourages sustained writing through engaging, purposeful tasks. Reinforces fluency with repeated sentence-level practice and genre writing.
Support struggling writers Inclusive strategies like shared writing and visual scaffolds.
Differentiated resources and sentence stems support all learners.
Transitions Builds transferable writing skills across year groups. Ensures continuity through consistent terminology and structure.
Leadership and culture Promotes a whole-school love of reading and writing.
Supports curriculum mapping and staff CPD.
Assessment Encourages formative assessment through pupil writing portfolios.
Provides genre-specific success criteria and assessment rubrics.