This afternoon, I observed a Year 6 English session where the student worked on a speech for school. The lesson was a great balance of creativity and structure, as the tutor guided the student through refining their ideas while helping them improve their expression.

The session focused on writing the body paragraphs and conclusion of the speech. The tutor ensured the student’s ideas remained central, encouraging them to express their thoughts while introducing ways to enhance clarity and engagement. When the student struggled to phrase certain points effectively, the tutor suggested alternative wording and sentence structures, helping to elevate the speech without taking away the student’s ideas.

What stood out most was the collaborative nature of the session. Rather than simply correcting or rewriting sections, the tutor worked with the student to refine their arguments, ensuring they understood why certain changes were beneficial. This approach gave the student confidence in their writing and helped them develop their ability to express ideas clearly.

By the end of the session, the student had a well-structured and engaging speech that was both authentic and polished. The tutor’s balance of guidance and encouragement created an environment where the student felt supported while completing their work.

Ellie Tsoukalas