This resource focuses on diary recounts, asking pupils to reflect on a key historical event from a personal perspective. It provides practical tools to assess pupils against the KS2 writing Teacher Assessment Framework (TAF) for working towards, expected and greater depth standards.
The resource pack offers a structured approach to cross-curricular writing, combining historical knowledge, discussion and independent research.
Pupils are guided with success criteria and checklists, while teachers are supported with clear assessment guidance, in line with the recommendation that “pupils’ writing, on which teachers base their judgements, must be produced independently.”
This writing activity works well within a history unit on significant events, such as the arrival of the Romans in Britain, Anglo-Saxon or Viking invasions, the coronation of a monarch or a local historical event. Pupils can explore different viewpoints, apply subject knowledge and convey emotions and personal reflection through their writing.
It also provides opportunities for cross-curricular learning, encouraging independent research skills and structured planning.
TAF statements covered
Working Towards Standard (WTS)
- Write for a range of purposes.
- Use paragraphs to organise ideas.
Expected Standard (EXS)
- Write effectively for a range of purposes and audiences, selecting language that shows good awareness of the reader.
- Select vocabulary and grammatical structures that reflect what the writing requires, doing this mostly appropriately.
- Use a range of devices to build cohesion within and across paragraphs.
Greater Depth Standard (GDS)
- Write effectively for a range of purposes and audiences, selecting the appropriate form and drawing independently on models for their own writing.
- Distinguish between the language of speech and writing and choose the appropriate register.
Pack contents
- Personal writing skills checklist – encourages pupils to monitor and edit their own work.
- Diary recount writing checklist – lists features of a diary recount for independent editing.
- How to Write a Diary poster – key features of diary recounts for classroom display.
- Jed’s Day Trip picture prompt – inspires pupils’ writing.
- Sequencing cards – help pupils organise events chronologically.
- Diary recount planning sheet – supports pupils to structure and develop their ideas.
- Themed writing paper – PDF sheet for drafting the final diary entry.
- Teacher assessment sheets – track evidence against TAF standards; can be placed in pupils’ books as a record.
Suggested teaching approach
Pupils will begin by exploring the picture prompt, discussing what has happened, how the character might feel, and the order of events. They will use sequencing cards and orally rehearse diary entries in role to practise recording events, thoughts and feelings.
Next, pupils will discuss the historical event they will write about, considering different viewpoints and perspectives. They'll plan their diary entry using the planning sheet and checklists. Pupils working at greater depth can plan entries from two opposing perspectives.
Then, pupils will draft their diary recount, applying first-person perspective, appropriate vocabulary, grammatical structures and cohesive devices. Give feedback on the rehearsal or planning stage to support independent writing.
Finally, pupils will review and edit their writing independently or in pairs using their checklists, while you will assess their work against the Year 6 TAF statements.
Browse more Year 6 SATs TAF Evidence resources.