This interactive online course will provide teachers with the opportunity to develop their understanding of the characteristics of writing at greater depth, as well as to explore approaches and strategies for developing and encouraging able writers in their classes. The course is open to teachers of both EYFS and Key Stage 1 year-groups so that they can support and challenge writers right across the Key Stage, with the focus on securing the greater depth standard at the end of Year 2.

With the current situation in mind, this course will address the matter of pupils ‘getting back on track’ and securing their learning so that able writers continue to develop their skills, confidence, independence and motivation throughout the rest of this academic year and into a secure foundation for the following year.

Within the session, there will be a breakout group time to share samples of writing from a confident writer in your class so that you can discuss their writing in relation to the course content and begin to apply some of the course ideas to your provision for able writers.

Participants will:

· reflect on what makes an effective writer

· secure an understanding of greater depth at the end of Key Stage 1 by clarifying the Greater Depth criteria

· consider the journey towards greater depth across EYFS and KS1

· explore practical approaches, activities and resources to support pupils in developing writing skills, confidence, independence and motivation across EYFS and KS1

As an experienced English consultant, Susie Spolander works with schools, partnerships and trusts to develop and improve all aspects of English across the primary age range. Using her knowledge of the curriculum, assessment and effective teaching and learning practices, she successfully supports many schools and teachers to improve outcomes for their pupils. During her 20+ year career in Education, Susie has enjoyed classroom teaching, as well as holding a range of senior leadership posts. Prior to establishing her own consultancy business, she worked as an English Consultant for Oxfordshire County Council’s School Improvement Service. Susie has written, developed and led a wide variety of training events, programmes and projects to address current local and national educational priorities. She is also an accredited trainer for several reading intervention programmes. In recognition of her work, Susie has been awarded the Gold Quality Mark for Professional Development by the London Institute of Education.

Susie is passionate about finding innovative ways to inspire teachers and engage learners. Her training is of high quality: rooted in the curriculum, with evidence-based practice alongside creative teaching and learning approaches. Susie believes in a bespoke approach to school support, working alongside school leaders, class teachers and support staff to develop practice through a range of leadership and classroom-based strategies, always precisely tailored to the identified needs of the school.

Susie provides training, resources and school support in partnership with local and national organisations, such as Quest for Learning, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxfordshire Teaching Schools Alliance and Oxford University Press.