Writing at Mapplewells

Through our immersive curriculum, children at Mapplewells experience writing woven throughout their learning as well as in their writing skills lessons. This engages children through giving writing a purpose and providing a wide-range of communication opportunities. Our approach to Writing has a clear sequence, where our focus is on teaching the craft of writing alongside being able to write fluently, which results in quality outcomes every time. Our lessons are carefully sequenced from the inception of an idea, to the development of vocabulary and the teaching of grammar that leads to effective planning and writing. 

It was developed by Teresa Heathcote, Literacy Consultant, who developed the teaching sequence which has improved outcomes across the board in the schools that implemented it. The approach is informed by the most recent research, including the Education Endowment Foundation and the recent Writing Framework in 2025. 

The Teaching Sequence incorporates the following stages in KS2: 

Immerse- During this part of the sequence we immerse the children into the new context of what they are writing, with a focus on vocabulary.  Where possible, this links directly to our enquiry driver and gives opportunities to develop speaking opportunities or drama

Analyse- Next, we then help pupils to focus on the audience and purpose by analysing the author's choices and overall intent.  We dedicate a lesson to learning new vocabulary around the chosen context and how to spell these words. 

Skills- Grammar, punctuation and spelling lessons are then taught in line with the features needed for that particular genre.

Plan- Children can then develop their creativity by planning out their own piece of writing that enables them to apply the learning they have been taught.

Write-   After that, our children then draft out their text using their plan in full sentences and paragraphs ready to be edited.

Review- Children develop their editing skills through teacher modelling before applying these skills independently to their own writing.

In KS1, our focus is more on developing fluency in writing so our sequence is: 

Immerse- During this part of the sequence we immerse the children into the new context of what they are writing, with a focus on vocabulary.  Where possible, this links directly to our enquiry driver and gives opportunities to develop speaking opportunities or drama. 

Skills- Grammar, punctuation and spelling lessons are then taught in line with the features needed for that particular genre.

Plan- Children can then develop their creativity by planning out their own piece of writing together as a class. 

Write-   After that, our children then draft out their text using their plan in full sentences and paragraphs ready to be edited.

Review- Children develop their editing skills through teacher modelling before applying these skills independently to their own writing.

In EYFS, our writing sequence is planned over 3 week cycles which includes: Immersion, Skills and Write.