This week in English, pupils have been developing their persuasive writing skills by composing a formal letter from the perspective of Lilian in Secrets of a Sun King. Writing to a nurse, they sought permission to visit her grandfather outside of visiting hours, carefully adopting a respectful and convincing tone. The children focused on using formal language, structuring their ideas clearly and strengthening their arguments through the use of compliments and hyperbole. Many praised the nurse’s exceptional dedication and kindness, while emphasising, with great exaggeration, Lilian’s desperate longing to see her grandfather as though each passing moment apart felt like an eternity. It was impressive to see how thoughtfully pupils balanced politeness with persuasion, demonstrating both creativity and an understanding of audience. This task has helped them appreciate how language can be used powerfully and purposefully to influence others. Next week, we will hopefully be starting to make our Canopic jars in art.