At St Luke’s, we believe handwriting is far more than a way of presenting work — it is a vital part of becoming a confident, capable writer. When children can write fluently and automatically, they are free to focus on the content of their writing: choosing adventurous vocabulary, crafting sentences and expressing ideas with clarity and pride.

Our handwriting curriculum is highly structured, consistent and rooted in our FLOURISH values. From Reception through to Year 6, every child is taught well-sequenced handwriting skills that build accuracy, fluency and stamina over time.

 Our Approach

Early Years Foundation Stage (Reception)

In Reception, children begin with Twinkl Print. Teaching focuses on:

• Correct pencil grip and posture
• Fine-motor strength and control
• Learning how each letter is formed, with clear modelling
• Short, regular sessions that sit alongside phonics
• Opportunities to write within play (signs, labels, lists and stories)

At this stage, the priority is accurate formation, not speed.

Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2)

Year 1 – Securing Strong Letter Formation (Twinkl Print)

Children learn:

• Correct letter sizing and spacing
• Four letter families (Ladder, One-Armed Robot, Curly Caterpillar, Zigzag Monster)  
• Capital letters and digits
• Writing short sentences with growing stamina
• Daily handwriting practice through phonics and English

Year 2 – Transition to Joined Writing (Twinkl Cursive)

Children begin to learn:

• Entry and exit strokes
• Diagonal and horizontal joins
• Joining within high-frequency and common exception words
• Maintaining consistent size, orientation and spacing

By the end of Year 2, most pupils are confidently joining letters within words. 

Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3–4)

Year 3 – Fully Joined Handwriting

Children consolidate:

• A consistent joined Twinkl Cursive style
• Accurate spacing within and between words
• Fluency and stamina (~10 words per minute by end of Year 3)
• Regular short-burst handwriting practice and dictation tasks

Year 4 – Increasing Fluency and Stamina

Pupils refine their handwriting and begin to adapt their writing for purpose. Pen licences may be awarded when handwriting is consistently neat and joined. 

Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5–6)

In Years 5 and 6, children develop:

• A mature, fluent and joined style
• Increased speed (~14 words per minute by end of Year 6)
• Ability to adapt handwriting for purpose (quick notes vs. published work)
• Efficient, legible and personalised handwriting choices

Handwriting continues to support spelling, note-taking and extended writing across the curriculum. 

 What You Will See Across School

• Consistent modelling from all staff using our taught Twinkl Cursive script
• Green-pen guidance to help refine letter formation and spacing
• Clear handwriting expectations in every subject
• Support for left-handed pupils, including correct paper positioning and modelled demonstrations
• Targeted help where needed, such as pencil grips, guidelines or small-group practice

(These reflect the standards set out in our Handwriting Policy 2025–28.) 

Why Handwriting Matters

Handwriting at St Luke’s isn’t just about presentation — it’s part of enabling every pupil to:

• Express themselves clearly
• Write fluently and confidently
• Take pride in their work
• Flourish as learners and writers
• Reduce cognitive overload once mastered

Our curriculum helps ensure that by the time pupils leave Year 6, they are ready for the demands of secondary school and beyond.