Handwriting
Overview
The handwriting curriculum is carefully sequenced to provide a coherent approach that develops children’s letter formation, fluency and presentation over time. Using the Letter-join programme, learning is structured to ensure that children develop a consistent, legible and increasingly fluent handwriting style across the primary phase.
The curriculum focuses on:
- Correct letter formation
- Consistent joins and letter orientation
- Fluency and speed
- Presentation and pride in work
Handwriting is taught as a progressive skill, enabling children to move from early mark-making to confident, joined handwriting that supports their written communication.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, children develop the foundational skills required for effective handwriting.
Children learn to:
- Form letters correctly using the correct starting and finishing points
- Sit correctly and hold a pencil using an appropriate grip
- Write letters of a consistent size and orientation
- Begin to form simple joins where appropriate
Teaching focuses on:
- Clear modelling of letter formation
- Regular, short practice sessions
- Developing fine motor control and coordination
Children build confidence through repetition and consistency, ensuring that handwriting becomes automatic and supports early writing development.
Lower Key Stage 2
In Lower Key Stage 2, children begin to develop greater fluency and consistency in their handwriting.
Children learn to:
- Join letters accurately and consistently
- Write with increased speed while maintaining legibility
- Develop a clear and consistent handwriting style
Through Letter-join, children are supported to:
- Apply diagonal and horizontal joins correctly
- Maintain appropriate spacing between words
- Write with increasing independence
Handwriting begins to support extended writing, allowing children to focus more on content and composition.
Upper Key Stage 2
In Upper Key Stage 2, children refine and embed their handwriting skills.
They learn to:
- Write fluently, legibly and at speed
- Adapt their handwriting for different purposes and audiences
- Maintain a consistent and personal handwriting style
Children develop:
- Greater control over presentation
- The ability to write for sustained periods
- Pride in the quality and appearance of their work
By the end of Key Stage 2, handwriting is automatic, supporting children to write confidently and efficiently across the curriculum.
Implementation
Handwriting is taught using the Letter-join programme, which provides a clear and progressive structure across all year groups.
Teaching includes:
- Regular, focused handwriting sessions
- Consistent modelling and language across the school
- Use of interactive resources to support learning
The programme ensures:
- A clear progression from print to joined handwriting
- Consistent expectations across all classes
- Opportunities for practice and application within writing
Handwriting is reinforced across the curriculum, with high expectations for presentation in all subjects.
Impact
By the time children leave St Paul’s, they have developed:
- A fluent, legible and consistent handwriting style
- The ability to write at speed without compromising quality
- Pride in the presentation of their work
Children can:
- Write clearly and confidently across all subjects
- Maintain consistency in size, spacing and joins
- Apply their handwriting skills automatically
Children show clear progression from early letter formation to fluent, joined handwriting.
Most importantly, handwriting supports children to communicate their ideas effectively and take pride in their work.