This Year 5 Real Writing unit uses an original model text by author Anita Loughrey.
Pupils explore Roman architecture, learning how it was influenced by the Ancient Greeks and how these innovations still shape our buildings today.
The children read, analyse and respond to the text. They examine examples of Roman buildings, develop vocabulary and grammar skills, and write their own information reports.
The unit follows a carefully mapped framework matched to Year 5 writing objectives. It spans two to three weeks and provides structured lesson plans that revisit prior learning while introducing new writing skills.
Curriculum links
English objectives
- Investigate etymology and morphology of words, including Latin roots
- Use organisational devices to structure texts, including headings, bullet points and labelled diagrams
- Revisit paragraphs, pronouns, and relative clauses to improve cohesion and sentence variety
Cross-curricular links
- History: Ancient Roman civilisation and architecture
- Geography: Study of locations of Roman structures and cultural influence
Vocabulary
- Tier 2 words: influence, distinct, culturally, superior, component, adaptation, extravagant, inconceivable, dominant, majestic
- Tier 3 words: architecture, temple, ornamentation, arch, aqueduct, amphitheatre, dome
- Common exception words: ancient, familiar
Resources included
- Model text PDF: plain, illustrated, annotated
- Annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint presentations
- Vocabulary cards and matching activity sheets
- Writing templates: research sheets, report margin planner, ‘How to write a report’ poster
- Lesson plans for two to three weeks of teaching
Activities and teaching sequence
- Hook activity: Display images of Roman buildings. Discuss their origins, purpose and construction methods. Encourage group discussion and sharing of ideas.
- Model text reading: Identify type, tense, formal tone, technical vocabulary, and organisational features. Highlight headings, diagrams and glossary use.
- Vocabulary work: Introduce Tier 2 and Tier 3 words using word cards. Pupils infer meanings from context and complete matching activities.
- Writing opportunities: Pupils describe favourite buildings using pronouns to create cohesion. Apply relative clauses to enhance sentence complexity.
- Research and planning: Pupils select a Roman building, complete a research sheet, and plan their report using the margin planner.
- Report writing and editing: Pupils write reports over multiple sessions, applying organisational devices, grammar and vocabulary. Proofreading and editing use a writing skills checklist.
Outcomes
By the end of the unit, pupils will:
- Analyse and discuss features of non-chronological reports
- Use Latin roots to explore and apply new vocabulary
- Structure reports with headings, bullet points and labelled diagrams
- Apply paragraphs, pronouns and relative clauses to create cohesion
- Produce a researched information report about a Roman building
- Proofread and edit writing to improve clarity, grammar and vocabulary