This course has been designed to aid year 5 and year 6 teachers in ensuring that pupils working below age-related expectations in writing can be supported effectively in closing gaps and getting back on track in writing.

Based on the latest research and recommendations, these sessions will provide practical advice and strategies that will have both immediate and long-term impact on pupil attainment.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

  • 2

    Module 1: Prewriting activities to support oracy

    • Introduction

    • Prewriting activities to support oracy

    • Drama activities and structures
  • 3

    Module 2: Vocabulary development

    • Introduction

    • Resources to download

    • Developing pupils' language capabilities

    • Vocabulary activities
  • 4

    Module 3: Identifying audience and purpose for writing

    • Introduction

    • Resources to download

    • Features and conventions of writing

    • Exploring diary writing
  • 5

    Module 4: Modelling the five stages of writing

  • 6

    Module 5: Developing effective transcription skills

    • Resources to download

    • Spelling introduction

    • Best practice for teaching spelling

    • Handwriting introduction

    • Best practice for teaching handwriting
  • 7

    Module 6: Practising sentence construction

    • Introduction

    • Developing sentence structure
  • 8

    Module 7: Editing and Proof-reading

    • Introduction

    • Proof-reading

    • Editing
  • 9

    Module 8: Pupil self-assessment

    • Developing pupil self-assessment
  • 10

    Next steps

    • Next steps

    • Course evaluation

What to expect

  • Explore Detail

    We will begin by exploring factors that cause pupils to fall behind in writing and then share researched-based best practice for the teaching of writing.

  • Research Based

    Based on the latest research by the EEF for ‘Improving Literacy in KS2’, this highly detailed course is made up of 8 modules that cover all the key aspects of writing that pupils may be struggling with.

  • Back on Track

    Through a beautiful text, ‘Kai and the Monkey King’ by Joe Todd Stanton, we will explore practical strategies that will support pupils in getting back on track.

Year 6 class Teacher

Cheshire

“Good opportunity to look at target pupils, identify gaps and plan to prioritise teaching for writing content and spelling. I’ll definitely be using some different strategies and approaches to proof-reading spellings. So helpful as always.”

Year 6 class teacher, Ellesmere Port

Ellesmere Port

“Very clear ideas and suggestions about where to prioritise support for ‘just below’ writers. Now planning to split editing lessons into editing and proof-reading and model this as explicitly and planning and drafting writing.”

English subject lead

Chester

“Really useful! Lots of ideas to share with staff in school.”

Sample: Module 4 ‘Best practice for modelling writing’

FAQ

  • Do I need to buy the book ‘Kai and the Monkey King’ to be able to undertake this course?

    No – the book is used to illustrate activities and strategies throughout the course but a link to a video of a reading of the text is provided.

  • Do I get a certificate?

    Yes- you will receive a certificate on completion of the training which can be downloaded for your records.

  • How long is the course?

    The total running time for the module videos is just over 3 hours but the course will take longer to complete depending on how long you spend on the activities. We would suggest setting aside at least 4 hours to complete the course.

  • Do I have to watch the course all in one go?

    No – the online learning platform will save your progress through the course, so you can split the course into manageable chunks and return to the training as many times as you like at times that suit you best.

  • For how long do I have access to the course?

    You will have access to the course for 100 days so you can revisit the training as many times as you like during that period.