Writing at Merley First School

At Merley First School we believe that we are all writers. 

Reading and oracy serve as the foundational bedrock of our writing curriculum naturally flowing through every aspect of writing. We immerse children in high-quality texts that ignite curiosity, inspire, broaden vocabulary, and spark imaginative expression, using reading as a springboard for writing. 

Through rich, structured talk and valued opportunities for oracy, pupils learn to articulate their thoughts, refine their ideas, and find their unique voices before setting pencil to paper. 

Integrating systematic letter-sound instruction with daily phonics or spelling lessons from Unlocking Letters and Sounds, allows students to immediately apply new spelling patterns, reinforcing phonics mastery through active hands-on creation.

We deliver a progressive, age and stage-appropriate curriculum that deeply values the interplay between spoken language, rich reading experiences, and written expression. Cultivating a growth mindset is at the heart of our approach, ensuring that every child feels truly valued, supported, and confident to take risks in their learning journey. Guided by our core school values—to be Ready, Respectful, and Engaged—we empower pupils to articulate their thoughts with clarity, embrace every step of the writing process, and thrive as passionate, lifelong communicators.