Swiss Gardens Primary School

Our aim is for all children to develop a love of reading, see themselves as confident writers and be able to communicate effectively as speakers in a wide range of contexts. This starts with their earliest experiences in school of being read to and understanding that print carries meaning.

‘When you read, it disconnects you from the entire world; it takes you somewhere magical’   

Rose, Year 6, Swiss Gardens 2022

Reading is central to accessing the curriculum, but at Swiss Gardens it is much more, carefully chosen core texts for each year group bring each topic to life and provides the stimulus for writing.

Our aim is for all children, whatever their ability, to be carefully supported in learning to read and to then develop confidence and a lifelong love of reading – ‘a pleasurable habit’. Thorough a rich variety of texts, fiction and non-fiction, modern and classic, children will experience engagement and delight.

Reading for pleasure is part of the everyday culture at the school, from immersing yourself in your own carefully-matched reading book, to small group Guided Reading with teachers and whole class stories for everyone to enjoy and discuss.

Our carefully curated texts throughout the school provide balance, breadth and diversity.    

“I kept always two books in my pocket, one to read, one to write in.” Robert Louis Stevenson

At Swiss Gardens reading and writing go hand -in -hand. Through our cross curricular approach and excellent quality core texts, exciting writing opportunities are developed. Combined with role play, hands-on experiences, trips and expert visitors, each year group’s topic comes to life. From re-enacting the Battle of Bosworth on the field to inspire historical explanation, experiencing the life of a ragpicker by sifting rubbish for ‘broken glass’ for viewpoint writing, to understanding the environmental impact of climate change for persuasive writing, the purpose for writing is explored.

The children’s writing journey begins with high-quality texts and examples, where they are encouraged to read, analyse, discuss and sometimes compare texts, looking at structure, key features, vocabulary and techniques. These notes are then added to the ‘working walls’ in each classroom for later reference and guidance. It is essential in any piece of writing that the purpose, audience and structure are defined and the specific language for a particular genre are discussed. Using the knowledge they have gathered, children will then write a first draft, often with the class collaboratively working on a ‘shared write’ together for reference and inspiration.

Through the plan, teach, assess cycle, children will then have skills sessions to help improve their writing, supported by verbal feedback, written feedback and/or peer review. Editing and improving is also part of the writing process to hone both the quality of the writing as well as checking spelling accuracy and grammar. Throughout the term, certain pieces of writing will then be ‘published’ with a final best copy which will be displayed or celebrated in a collection book which is then added to the class reading corner. Persuasive letters are also sent to MPs or corporations and replies added to the learning journey.

Writing for a purpose is key to our approach at Swiss Gardens and instils a love of writing and highlights the power of words.