Key Stage 3 English Writing – Term 2 (Jan. 2027)

Course Overview

This KS3 course builds on the PX KS2 English Writing course, but it is not compulsory to have completed that course first. It aims to encourage reluctant or struggling young learners, as well as any other students, to engage in regular writing tasks and even to enjoy writing. It helps develop skills needed in the future for academic writing as well as for GCSE English Literature and Language courses, such as those taught by my PX colleagues, Joanna Brown, Hannah Clarke, and Fiona Short.

This is not so much a creative writing class, as an intentional, teacher-led approach to teaching writing in the classical method. As such, it meets the aims of the ‘dialectic stage’ of learning, when copy work and dictation have been mastered and the student is ready to focus more on structure and style. KS3 English Writing also meets the KS3 specifications for fluency and speed in handwriting/printing, the ability to communicate and articulate ideas through appropriate compositional structures, and proficiency in relevant grammar and editing skills. Consistent, incremental writing tasks foster automaticity and confidence.

When we learn to write, we learn to think and to communicate those thoughts accurately and clearly. These are not only essential skills for future academic pursuits, but also, and even more importantly, for sharpening and empowering every mind and heart for future usefulness in church and society.

Students must be at least eleven years of age for this course and up to fourteen. It is advantageous if students are already fluent in handwriting/printing, but this is not essential. If the student has special needs please contact the Teacher first to discuss how this could be accommodated.

Course Method

This course continues to use the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) method. This course consists of weekly, interactive lessons and weekly assignments which are due the following Monday for marking before class. Assignments should take about one to two hours per week, depending on the type of assignment and the aptitude of the student. The course maintains a gentle, structured approach with step-by-step guidance each week, providing the essential tools needed for various kinds of writing.

The IEW method is also ideal for students with dyslexia or high learning needs, as the focus is on modelling. Grammar concepts are learned gradually and in context. Spelling difficulties do not have to prevent good writing. Those struggling with dysgraphia can have help from a parent through narration. Parents are welcome to observe classes and offer support as needed depending on the age of the student. However, independence is encouraged, especially as the year progresses.

The following student book must be procured for this class:

Lori Verstegen, Medieval history-based Writing Lessons: Structure, Style, Grammar & Vocabulary (Institute for Excellence in Writing).

This can be purchased here. This student book makes the lessons simple to follow and gives students access to accompanying downloads to create a Student Resource Notebook. Weekly lessons closely follow lessons 1 to 30 in this book, with some adjustments as needed. Students are expected to read over the lesson in advance.

This course uses Google Classrooms for each student for ease of assignments, marking, and communication.

Course Details

Term 2 comprises 9 weekly lessons. Each lesson lasts 45 minutes.

This PX Classroom is held on Wednesdays at 12:45pm (London time zone), starting from Wednesday, 6th January 2027. There will be no lesson on 10th February due to the half-term break. The last lesson is due to be on 10th March 2027.