Pupils write to their Headteacher asking for a wildlife garden on the school grounds. This four-page Year 5 sheet builds the letter in three sections of sentence frames, ending with a full letter skeleton. It follows the England National Curriculum objectives on audience, vocabulary and formal register. Model answers show a formal response for every frame, plus a complete letter.
Writing - composition
“Identifying the audience for and purpose of the writing, selecting the appropriate form and using other similar writing as models for their own”
The brief names the Headteacher as the reader, and the skeleton models the layout of a formal letter.
Writing - composition
“Selecting appropriate grammar and vocabulary, understanding how such choices can change and enhance meaning”
Frames open with phrases such as 'It is vital that' and 'Surely you must agree', which pupils finish in the same tone.
Writing - composition
“Ensuring correct subject and verb agreement when using singular and plural, distinguishing between the language of speech and writing and choosing the appropriate register”
The model answers keep a formal register and correct agreement, and pupils match them rather than writing as they speak.
Three frames for stating an opinion politely, such as 'Surely you must agree that a dedicated nature area would benefit all pupils by...'.
Frames 4 to 6 add a reason with an example, a Furthermore point about teachers, and an if-then warning about local wildlife.
Pupils draft a short letter from Dear Headteacher to Yours sincerely, using starters like 'I am writing to you today to urge you to consider'.
Scaffolded writing
Give Sections 1 and 2 to pupils who find persuasion hard. Confident writers can go straight to the skeleton.
Real audience
Pass the best letters to your actual Headteacher. Pupils take the register more seriously when someone will read it.
Register lesson
Read a model answer next to a chatty version and ask which one a Headteacher would act on.
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