By Ellen Counter, Deputy Lead Adviser - Primary English
In an era where literacy education is evolving rapidly, Focus-Trust schools are embracing a transformative approach to writing through ESSENTIALWRITING, a curriculum developed by HFL Education. Designed to move beyond genre-based outcomes, ESSENTIALWRITING is reshaping how children and teachers engage with the writing process, fostering autonomy, deep understanding and purposeful creativity.
From genre to purpose: A shift in writing pedagogy
Traditionally, writing curriculums in many schools have focused on the end product, often jumping around genres within a unit, with students regularly replicating the same model. As Anna Hackett, Curriculum and Professional Learning Lead at Focus-Trust, explains, though, ESSENTIALWRITING offers something fundamentally different.
“Historically, our approach to writing has been genre-based, focusing primarily on the outcome of writing” says Anna. “ESSENTIALWRITING provides a writing curriculum that is progressive.”
This shift toward purpose-driven writing allows students to explore the why behind their words. Rather than simply mimicking formats, they learn to make intentional choices with the reader in mind. ESSENTIALWRITING teaches the writing process – idea generation, planning, drafting, editing, proofreading and sharing – and integrates grammar and structure in a way that supports meaningful communication.
“We’re building writers who understand what it means to be a writer and the choices they can make with the reader in mind,” Anna adds. “We guide pupils to use specific grammar to have the intended impact on their reader.”
A curriculum that doubles as CPD
One of the most innovative aspects of ESSENTIALWRITING is its dual function: it’s not just a curriculum for students, but also a form of professional development for teachers. The materials are meticulously planned, offering educators a deeper understanding of the writing process without relying on traditional presentation tools.
“Some of our schools who’ve adopted ESSENTIALWRITING are finding that the way it is meticulously planned is a form of CPD for their teachers,” Anna notes. “It’s not reliant on PowerPoints. We’re not in danger of just clicking through slides – ESSENTIALWRITING gives all teachers clarity on how to teach the process of writing.”
This embedded CPD model empowers teachers to become more confident, reflective practitioners. They’re not just delivering lessons – they’re engaging with subject-specific pedagogy, refining their own understanding of writing and modelling that process for their students.
Student autonomy and joy in writing
The impact of ESSENTIALWRITING is clearly visible in the classroom, where students are responding with enthusiasm and ownership. Gina Allon, English Lead at Rudheath Primary Academy, shares how the curriculum has transformed the writing culture in her school: “Since starting ESSENTIALWRITING, the children have loved the writing process and have really enjoyed the autonomy they have been given.”
This autonomy is a cornerstone of ESSENTIALWRITING. Students are encouraged to make decisions about their writing – what to say, how to say it and how to revise it – boosting engagement and nurturing critical thinking, creativity and independence.
Building writers for the future
The long-term vision of ESSENTIALWRITING is to cultivate thoughtful, strategic and empowered writers. By weaving together the various domains of writing – grammar, structure, purpose and audience – students develop a holistic understanding of what it means to communicate effectively.
This approach aligns with broader educational goals around literacy, oracy and metacognition. Students are not just learning to write; they are learning to think like writers, to reflect on their choices and to understand the impact of their words.
A trust-wide impact
Several schools within Focus-Trust have chosen to adopt ESSENTIALWRITING as part of their wider commitment to evidence-informed practice and professional collaboration. Each Focus-Trust school holds autonomy over its curriculum choices and is supported to make decisions that best serve its pupils and community.
ESSENTIALWRITING enables participating schools to provide a high-quality, coherent approach to writing, ensuring that all children – regardless of background – have access to rich, purposeful literacy experiences.
Angela Cope, English Lead at Manor Green Primary Academy, reflects on the early impact: “We’re already seeing joy return to writing. Teachers feel more confident, pupils are more engaged, and the early signs show a real improvement in how our school community values writing.”
The feedback from educators at Focus-Trust suggests that ESSENTIALWRITING is more than just a curriculum – it’s a catalyst for sustainable curriculum development and professional learning. It’s helping schools move away from formulaic writing tasks and toward a more authentic, meaningful model of literacy.
Looking ahead
The ongoing development of ESSENTIALWRITING within several Focus-Trust schools is creating space for teachers and leaders to focus on what matters most: responsive teaching, reflective practice and authentic writing experiences for children. As confidence and engagement grow, so too does a shared understanding of writing as a meaningful craft.
In a time when literacy is more important than ever, ESSENTIALWRITING is helping schools nurture children who think, talk and write with purpose.
Email the team to discuss your requirements: essential.writing@hfleducation.org
