Literacy Tree
At Intake Primary Academy, we teach writing through the Writing Roots sequence from The Literacy Tree, a complete, book-based approach to English. This approach immerses pupils in rich, diverse and carefully chosen literature, ensuring writing is meaningful, engaging and rooted in real purpose.
The Literacy Tree curriculum places high-quality texts at the heart of learning. By being fully immersed in whole books rather than extracts, pupils develop strong reading behaviours, deepen comprehension and encounter authentic models of authorial style. As children move through school, they experience a wide range of significant authors and explore fiction, non-fiction and poetry through purposeful and well-structured writing opportunities.
From Key Stage 1, we adopt the full Literacy Tree Writing Roots units across the school. In Reception, children engage with a selection of Literacy Tree texts alongside additional books linked to children’s interests and curriculum themes. In the summer term of Reception, pupils begin to follow more structured Literacy Tree units to support a smooth transition into Year 1.
The Literacy Tree ensures full coverage of all National Curriculum expectations for writing—composition, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary—while providing rich contexts that inspire children to write with intent and clarity.
Our Intent
Our English curriculum aims to expose all children to a wide variety of high-quality literature that enriches learning and grows a strong reading and writing culture. Texts are chosen for their ability to promote empathy, enquiry and oracy, enabling children to explore ideas, discuss themes and articulate understanding with confidence.
We provide writing opportunities that are meaningful, purposeful and linked to a clear audience. Children write for real reasons—whether to inform, persuade, explain or tell a story. They develop an understanding of genre features through contextualised teaching of grammar and vocabulary. Writing is valued across the curriculum, with pupils from Foundation Stage to Year 6 given regular opportunities to apply and develop their writing skills.
Through exposure to significant authors during their time at Intake, children experience a rich literary journey. Grammar, spelling and punctuation are embedded within text-based units, allowing skills to be taught and applied authentically. Our aim is for all pupils 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 and enhances wider thematic learning
- Teach essential spelling and grammar knowledge in meaningful, purposeful contexts
- Develop children’s understanding of the writing process, including drafting, editing and improving
- Scaffold and challenge learners to ensure all pupils achieve their potential
- Provide real, exciting and purposeful reasons for children to write
How We Achieve Our Aims
1. Engaging, Book-Based Writing Curriculum
All classes follow Literacy Tree unit plans as the foundation of our writing curriculum. This ensures consistency, progression and a clear structure 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 applications 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
Teachers adapt planning to meet the needs of all learners, including targeted interventions when appropriate. Through professional dialogue, assessment and work scrutiny, teachers continually refine practice to meet individual needs. This responsive approach ensures steady and sustained progress for all pupils.
4. Purposeful and Joyful Writers
Our intention is always to ensure writing has meaning and purpose. Children write for real audiences beyond the classroom—sending letters, publishing, 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.