Intent 

At Oak Tree Primary we understand the benefits of correct letter formation and handwriting sessions. Legible writing that can be produced comfortably, at speed and with little conscious effort allows a child to attend to the higher-level aspects of writing composition and content. We believe that handwriting with pen and paper still has an important role from early childhood through our adult lives. Although people are shifting from paper to electronic modes of communication many personal computers now have handwriting recognition capability so that handwriting as means of interacting with computers is becoming more pervasive. Therefore, even in this modern age, handwriting remains an important skill for communication.

Being able to write legibly and at speed is important for children's later life, in both higher education and the wider world. This is important when assessments are based on written work, particularly in time-limited written examinations, which remain a major form of assessment for many formal qualifications. Without fast and legible handwriting, students may miss out on learning opportunities and under-achieve academically. Beyond formal education, most employment situations will involve at least some handwriting and many require the communication of critical information (e.g. medical notes, prescriptions).

Handwriting is a basic skill that influences the quality of work throughout the curriculum. By the end of Key Stage 2 all pupils should have the ability to produce fluent, legible and, eventually, speedy joined-up handwriting, and to understand the different forms of handwriting used for different purposes.

Our intention is to make handwriting an automatic process that does not interfere with creative and mental thinking.  We aim to: 

• To develop a neat, legible, speedy handwriting style using continuous cursive letters, which leads to producing letters and words automatically in independent writing.
• To establish and maintain high expectations for the presentation of written work.
• For pupils to understand, by the end of Year 6, the importance of neat presentation and the need for different letterforms (cursive, printed or capital letters) to help communicate meaning clearly.