Literacy Tree at Edenthorpe Hall Primary Academy
At Edenthorpe Hall Primary Academy, we are passionate about creating confident, enthusiastic writers who love language and storytelling. To achieve this, we use the Writing Roots sequence from The Literacy Tree—a complete, book-based approach to English that places high-quality literature at the heart of learning.
This approach immerses our pupils in rich, diverse and carefully chosen texts, ensuring that writing is meaningful, engaging and always linked to a real purpose. We believe that when children are inspired by great books, they become motivated, creative writers.
Why We Use Literacy Tree
Learning to write well opens doors for every child. The Literacy Tree curriculum ensures pupils experience whole books rather than extracts, helping them develop strong reading behaviours, deepen comprehension and encounter authentic models of authorial style.
As children move through Edenthorpe Hall, they explore a wide range of significant authors and genres—fiction, non-fiction and poetry—through purposeful and well-structured writing opportunities.
From Key Stage 1, we follow the full Literacy Tree Writing Roots units across the school. In Reception, children enjoy a selection of Literacy Tree texts alongside additional books linked to their interests and our curriculum themes. In the summer term of Reception, pupils begin more structured Literacy Tree units to support a smooth transition into Year 1.
Our Intent
Our English curriculum aims to:
- Expose all children to high-quality literature that enriches learning and builds a strong reading and writing culture.
- Promote empathy, enquiry and oracy, enabling children to explore ideas, discuss themes and articulate understanding confidently.
- Provide writing opportunities that are meaningful, purposeful and linked to a clear audience—whether to inform, persuade, explain or entertain.
Writing is valued across the curriculum, with pupils from Foundation Stage to Year 6 given regular opportunities to apply and develop their skills. Grammar, spelling and punctuation are taught in context, so children learn how to use them authentically in their own writing.
Our ultimate goal is for every child at Edenthorpe Hall to write confidently, coherently and creatively for a range of purposes and audiences.
We Aim To:
- Deliver an engaging, book-based writing curriculum that supports wider learning.
- Teach spelling and grammar in meaningful contexts.
- Develop children’s understanding of the writing process—planning, drafting, editing and improving.
- Scaffold and challenge learners so all pupils achieve their potential.
- Provide real, exciting and purposeful reasons for children to write.
How We Achieve This
1. Engaging, Book-Based Writing Curriculum
All classes follow Literacy Tree unit plans as the foundation of our writing curriculum. This ensures consistency and progression across year groups. Strategies such as role on the wall, grammar splats, drama and oracy activities are embedded throughout the school, allowing pupils to develop skills over time. Plans are adapted to suit the needs of our pupils, ensuring accessibility and challenge for all.
2. The Writing Process
Each unit builds towards an extended written outcome, supported by shorter tasks that develop specific skills. Teachers model the writing process explicitly, demonstrating planning, drafting and refining. Children learn different forms of editing—from proofreading for accuracy to revising for cohesion, tone and intent.
3. Support and Challenge
We adapt planning to meet the needs of all learners, including targeted interventions when appropriate. Through assessment and professional dialogue, teachers continually refine practice to ensure steady and sustained progress for every child.
4. Purposeful and Joyful Writers
Writing at Edenthorpe Hall always has meaning and purpose. Children write for real audiences beyond the classroom—sending letters, publishing work, creating leaflets or sharing reviews—and responses from recipients are celebrated. Writing is showcased through displays, celebrations of excellence and cross-phase sharing, helping children see themselves as valued, capable writers.