Derry/Londonderry 2026 Conference
Writing - Raising Standards in Writing with the new Literacy Framework (Y4 to Y7)
Date: Wednesday 9th December 2026
Venue: Everglades Hotel
Presented by Pie Corbett and Jamie Thomas
What the conference will cover
This course explores how primary schools in Northern Ireland can raise standards in writing in line with the NI Executive's new Literacy Framework. Over the day, we will examine how oracy supports literacy development, helping pupils develop the language, ideas and confidence needed for effective writing.
- Learn how to teach grammar and vocabulary in context: Explore the crucial link between reading and writing, as well as how to develop a broad vocabulary, enabling your pupils to communicate accurately and creatively.
- Mastering the sentence: Understand how to make sentence-level instruction a key component of your curriculum, including practical tips for oral practice to build a strong foundation.
- Moving from sentences to paragraphs: Discover how to move pupils from constructing imaginative sentences to composing effective and coherent paragraphs. We will explore effective teaching approaches that foster independence and confidence.
- The writing process in action: Gain a deep understanding of the writing process, from planning and drafting to revising, editing, and sharing.
- "If you can't say it, you can't write it." Discover how oracy and oral rehearsal can transform talk into a powerful foundation for excellent writing.
The day will be packed with practical strategies. Leave equipped with actionable ways to inspire and elevate your pupils' writing skills.
Price
£195.00 + VAT per delegate. A 10% discount is available on all places when a school books more than one delegate on the same course. Each course place would therefore cost £175.50.
Derry/Londonderry
Wednesday 9th December 2026
Your Trainers

Pie Corbett
Pie Corbett is an English educational trainer, writer, author and poet who has written over two hundred books. He is also known for promoting creative approaches in the classroom and has experience as a teacher, head teacher and Ofsted inspector.

Jamie Thomas
Jamie is the former Head of Warren Road Teaching School Alliance. He embedded Talk for Writing across Warren Road School and it proved to be by far the most successful whole school initiative undertaken. Jamie currently leads all elements of Talk for Writing training.
What to expect
A comprehensive delegate resource pack, including the presentation slides is provided on arrival. We sit delegates at cabaret-style tables to allow room to make notes. Video clips of teaching are used to illustrate examples of good practice and, throughout the day, the learning is visualised through the Talk for Writing ‘washing line’ technique. A hot two-course lunch is also included.
Conference timings
- 8.45 – 9:15 - Registration, refreshments and a chance to look at the bookshop
Note: The conference will start promptly at 9:15. Please try to arrive by 9:00 in order to allow time to register and find yourself a seat in the conference room.
- 9:15 – 11:00 - Session 1
- 11:00 – 11:20 - Break
- 11:20 – 1:00 - Session 2
- 1:00 – 1:45 - Lunch
- 1:45 – 3:15 - Session 3
- 3:15 - Conference ends
