mike@topmarksliteracy.com

07905 756308

mike@topmarksliteracy.com

07905 756308

A group of primary schools have been involved in a ‘test and learn’ phase of development for Mastery in Writing.

Extensive trialling of lesson plans and resources in these schools, with subsequent monitoring and review cycles, means the scheme is now refined and ready for optimum impact.

Fundamentally, the scheme is designed to create a buzz in the classroom: to get children wanting to write, help them discover what they want to say and give them the skills they need to say it through purposeful writing tasks. The teacher’s role is clear, enjoyable and motivating. The test and learn phase has empowered Key Stage 1 champions and English Leaders to lay solid foundations for a new, whole school approach, and participating schools are already reaping the rewards.

Get involved today and lay the foundations for long-term success in writing at your school.

Our pioneering programme

Detailed unit plans follow a similar structure with an ‘Explore’ phase, a ‘Practice’ phase and a ‘Compose’ phase. During the Explore phase, the children are engaged in an exciting learning context through a high-quality text or other stimulus. The focus here is on enjoyment and idea generation, with plenty of opportunity for collaborative talk.

The Practice phase involves learning from talented authors, focusing in on the effects they create and the skills they use. This inspires explicit teaching and opportunities for children to spend time understanding and getting to grips with specific skills that will enhance their writing.

The Composition phase then sees the children take part in drafting as well as whole-class and group reflection. It ensures they see the benefits of evaluating their writing and become increasingly confident to edit and redraft.

Teacher feedback throughout the process is highly focused on specific skillsets, including those that present significant barriers to individual children’s progress.

 

 

“Mastery in Writing has had a transformative impact on both teaching and learning in our school. Teachers feel empowered by the clarity and structure of the scheme, which provides a strong progression model while still allowing creativity in delivery.

“Most importantly, pupils are thriving. They speak with enthusiasm about writing, and we have seen a marked improvement in their confidence, grammatical knowledge and ability to sustain extended pieces.”

St Bernadette’s Primary

 

 

“Our children now have a much greater understanding of sentence construction and the purpose of their writing. We have moved so far away from the "I don't know why you’re asking me to do this” to children wanting to talk about and show off their new skills.

“Mastery in Writing is the organised, streamlined and refined approach that I think all teachers of primary English were looking for. I’m enjoying teaching English much more than I have done for years!”

Holy Family Primary

“The project has brought about key improvements in teaching and learning.

  • All children are able to access the learning through carefully thought-out tasks and clear lesson structures.
  • Children build confidence and motivation through small, personalised successes.
  • Dedicated time for oracy development is embedded into planning, supporting vocabulary, reasoning and communication skills.
  • Feedback from staff has been very positive. Teachers report improved lesson clarity, stronger pupil engagement and great progress across the cohort.”

St Wilfrid’s Primary

“Children thrive when learning to write using the Mastery in Writing programme. Listening to my Y2 children speak with such deep understanding and enthusiasm about their writing and grammar knowledge is a joy. Seeing the results in children’s confidence and motivation is a privilege. This approach is transforming children’s writing and staff enjoyment of teaching English in our school.”

Sacred Heart Primary

“We are really enjoying Mastery in Writing and we can already see a real difference in the quality of the children’s writing, as well as in their knowledge and use of grammar. The books that have been chosen are excellent. They are really engaging for the children and have worked really well in lessons.” 

St Anne’s Primary

“The scheme has shifted the culture of writing at our school.  We are delighted with the impact it is having on our children’s outcomes and their enjoyment of writing.”

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