Download PDF Skills for Writing by Pearson

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Skills for Writing by Pearson – Transforming Writing Progress at KS3 with a Proven, Evidence-Based Approach

In the ever-evolving world of education, helping students become confident, effective writers is a top priority. Skills for Writing, developed by Pearson in partnership with Professor Debra Myhill and her team at the University of Exeter, offers an innovative and research-driven way to accelerate writing progress for learners at Key Stage 3 and beyond.

This unique programme blends pedagogy with practice, offering a grammar-in-context approach that not only teaches students the mechanics of writing but also helps them understand the impact of their language choices. It’s a powerful resource for English teachers in both UK and international classrooms looking to build writing fluency, critical thinking, and creative expression.

Why Choose Skills for Writing?

Unlike traditional writing programmes that isolate grammar instruction from the writing process, Skills for Writing takes an evidence-based approach grounded in the principles of the successful Grammar for Writing pedagogy. This method has been trialled across schools and has shown to nearly double writing progress at KS3.

Instead of simply learning grammar rules, students are taught to use grammar as a tool—to craft, shape, and refine their writing with purpose. The focus is not just on “correctness,” but on writer’s intent, audience impact, and textual effect—essential skills for KS4 success and beyond.

Contextualised Grammar for Real-World Writing

A standout feature of this programme is how it makes grammar meaningful. Through real text extracts and engaging topics, students analyze the choices made by published authors and learn how to apply similar techniques in their own writing.

Each of the three Student Books contains two themed units, providing diverse content that can be tailored to different year groups. Topics range from spy fiction and dystopian worlds to environmental writing and news reporting—all designed to inspire students and deepen their understanding of language and structure.

For example:

• Unit 1: Alter Egos draws on texts like The Witches and Twilight, helping students explore narrative voice, pacing, and tension.

• Unit 5: News Writing teaches how to craft informative, persuasive articles and explore the power of language in shaping public opinion.

• Unit 6: Dystopia invites students to build chilling, fictional worlds, using novels like 1984 and The Hunger Games as creative models.

These thematic units don’t just build writing skills—they make students want to write.

Interactive Resources and Student Engagement

Skills for Writing isn’t just a textbook series—it’s a full learning experience. The programme includes a rich set of digital resources that encourage student reflection, independent learning, and peer feedback. Many of the tasks are auto-marked, giving instant feedback that helps students recognize their strengths and areas for improvement.

The lessons are interactive and scaffolded, supporting all learners—from those who struggle with writing to more advanced students ready to refine their craft. Teachers can explore materials digitally, making planning more efficient and lessons more flexible.

Built for Progression and Long-Term Success

One of the programme’s key advantages is its built-in progression model. Each unit is carefully structured to build on prior knowledge, allowing students to develop their skills in stages, with clear pathways to KS4 and GCSE-level writing.

The pedagogy behind Skills for Writing ensures that students not only produce better writing in the short term but also gain a deeper understanding of how language works—something that stays with them far beyond the classroom.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Skills for Writing by Pearson is a smart, research-backed writing course that delivers real results. With its focus on contextual grammar, engaging topics, and 21st-century learning skills, it’s an ideal resource for teachers looking to make a genuine impact on students’ writing progress.

If you’re teaching English at KS3—whether in the UK or in an international school setting—this programme offers everything you need to transform writing outcomes and inspire young writers

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