Year 6 Writing Journey
Throughout the year, pupils strengthen foundational knowledge and develop greater control of the writing process.
FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE
- Use vocabulary and structures suited to formal and informal contexts.
- Use a wide range of cohesive devices and precise punctuation.
- Maintain fluent, legible handwriting and accurate spelling across extended writing.
EXECUTIVE SKILLS
- Plan independently for audience and purpose.
- Evaluate and adapt organisation, vocabulary, grammar and register.
- Revise and proofread with sustained independence.
Set 1 books for 2026-2027
| Half term | Book title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | Star of Fear, Star of Hope; Erika’s Story | Jo Hoestlandt; Ruth Vander Zee |
| Autumn 2 | Can We Save the Tiger? | Martin Jenkins |
| Spring 1 | The Selfish Giant | Oscar Wilde and Ritva Voutila |
| Spring 2 | Island; Jemmy Button | Jason Chin; Alix Barzelay |
| Summer 1 | Manfish; Great Adventurers | Jennifer Berne; Alastair Humphreys |
| Summer 2 | Sky Chasers | Emma Carroll |
Journey through 2026-2027
AUTUMN
Establish and revisit
- Diagnose and revisit individual gaps in transcription and sentence accuracy.
- Plan whole texts with a clear purpose, reader and structure.
- Draw on reading and research to develop precise ideas.
SPRING
Develop and connect
- Control cohesion across paragraphs and select grammar deliberately.
- Use punctuation such as colons, semi-colons, dashes and hyphens where appropriate.
- Revise for clarity, effect and consistency of register.
SUMMER
Apply and become independent
- Produce purposeful, sustained and well-organised independent writing.
- Adapt choices confidently for different audiences, purposes and subjects.
- Proofread accurately, evaluate impact and explain deliberate choices.
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
Discuss audience, purpose and tone. Ask your child to justify a language or punctuation choice and identify a revision that improves meaning.
Year 6 Writing Journey
