Writing accurately, fluently, effectively, and at length for pleasure and information. Adapting writing for a wide range of purposes and audiences. Drafting and editing as part of the writing process. Vocabulary development through wide reading.

NC outcomes (paraphrased; full text on gov.uk)

Pupils should be taught to:

  • Write accurately, fluently, effectively, and at length for pleasure and information through:
    • Writing for a wide range of purposes and audiences (well-structured formal expository and narrative essays; stories, scripts, poetry and other imaginative writing; notes and polished scripts for talks and presentations; a range of other narrative and non-narrative texts including arguments, personal and formal letters)
    • Summarising and organising material, supporting ideas and arguments with any necessary factual detail
    • Applying their growing knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and text structure to produce clear and coherent text
    • Selecting, and using judiciously, vocabulary, grammar, form, and structural and organisational features (including rhetorical devices) to reflect audience, purpose and context
  • Plan, draft, edit, and proof-read through:
    • Considering how their writing reflects the audiences and purposes for which it was intended
    • Amending the vocabulary, grammar, and structure of their writing to improve coherence and effectiveness
    • Paying attention to accurate grammar, punctuation, and spelling

Forward to KS4

This strand is the precursor for two KS4 English Writing strands:

Cross-curriculum

This strand is also a precursor for Life and Work — Functional English writing. KS3 NC includes “personal and formal letters” and “a range of other narrative and non-narrative texts” — all directly applicable to functional adult-life writing.

Mastery descriptors

  • developing — writes for a stated purpose with simple structure; basic punctuation and spelling
  • secure — adapts form, tone, and register; uses paragraphing purposefully; vocabulary appropriate to purpose
  • mastering — controls form and register fluently; uses rhetorical devices and structural features deliberately; writes at sustained length