Year 5 Writing Journey
Throughout the year, pupils strengthen foundational knowledge and develop greater control of the writing process.
FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE
- Use relative clauses, modal verbs or adverbs and expanded noun phrases.
- Build cohesion within and across paragraphs.
- Use commas for clarity and punctuation for parenthesis.
EXECUTIVE SKILLS
- Identify audience and purpose.
- Develop ideas through reading and research.
- Evaluate, revise and sustain extended writing.
Set 1 books for 2026-2027
| Half term | Book title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | Queen of the Falls; Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls | Chris Van Allsburg; Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo |
| Autumn 2 | The Lost Happy Endings | Carol Ann Duffy |
| Spring 1 | Arthur and the Golden Rope | Joe Todd-Stanton |
| Spring 2 | The Darkest Dark | Chris Hadfield |
| Summer 1 | The Paperbag Prince | Colin Thompson |
| Summer 2 | Radiant Child; Life Doesn’t Frighten Me | Javaka Steptoe; Maya Angelou |
Journey through 2026-2027
AUTUMN
Establish and revisit
- Secure fluent, legible handwriting and accurate core punctuation.
- Identify the intended reader and purpose before planning.
- Organise a whole text using an appropriate structure.
SPRING
Develop and connect
- Select grammar and vocabulary to shape meaning.
- Develop settings, character and atmosphere or organise information clearly.
- Revise cohesion, tense and register during drafting.
SUMMER
Apply and become independent
- Sustain an extended, cohesive piece for a clear audience and purpose.
- Integrate dialogue or presentational devices where appropriate.
- Edit content as well as proofreading spelling and punctuation.
What families may notice
Across the year, writing should become more accurate, sustained and independent. Children should increasingly be able to explain what they are learning, talk through ideas before writing, use taught knowledge in new contexts and improve their work after rereading.
How families can help
Ask who the writing is for and what effect it should have. Encourage your child to improve organisation and clarity, not only correct surface errors.
Year 5 Writing Journey
