At St Matthias, our handwriting curriculum enables pupils to develop fluent, legible and efficient handwriting that supports their writing across the curriculum. We recognise that secure handwriting reduces cognitive load, allowing pupils to focus on composition, vocabulary and expression.
Learning is carefully structured so that pupils build their skills over time. We use the Letter-join programme, adapted to meet the needs of our pupils, to support the development of continuous cursive handwriting across the school.
In the Early Years, pupils develop the foundations for handwriting through fine and gross motor skill development, alongside early letter formation. Opportunities to strengthen hand control and coordination are embedded throughout provision, alongside explicit teaching of letter formation through phonics and early writing activities.
In Year 1, pupils continue to secure correct letter formation before progressing to continuous cursive handwriting. This is taught through a combination of phonics and discrete handwriting lessons, with a focus on accuracy and consistency.
From Year 2 to Year 6, pupils are expected to write using continuous cursive handwriting. They revisit and refine letter formation and joins before developing fluency, consistency and writing at speed. Handwriting is explicitly taught and modelled, with high expectations maintained across all subjects.
Pupils practise handwriting regularly through structured lessons, patterns, letter families and sentence work, ensuring that skills are embedded and applied. Additional support is provided where needed through targeted interventions and adapted resources.
Handwriting is reinforced through clear expectations around presentation, posture and pencil grip, helping pupils to develop effective writing habits.
Knowledge and skills are revisited and developed over time, enabling pupils to write with increasing confidence and independence.
Through this approach, pupils develop fluency, accuracy and pride in their presentation, supporting their success across the curriculum.
As a result, pupils leave St Matthias with a fluent and legible handwriting style, enabling them to write efficiently, present their work with pride and focus fully on communicating their ideas.