Into Room 101: Year 5’s Power of Persuasion

This term, Year 5 have been exploring the art of persuasive writing, examining where it appears in everyday life, from news reports and advertisements to speeches and letters tackling real-world issues.

Through detailed analysis, the class identified common persuasive techniques, including rhetorical questions, alliteration, and the clever use of facts and statistics to strengthen arguments. Armed with this knowledge, they were ready for a unique challenge: to nominate something for Room 101.

Inspired by George Orwell’s 1984 (and the TV show!), Room 101 became the destination for things the pupils felt passionately should be banished forever. Each child chose a topic close to their heart and crafted a powerful speech, packed with persuasive flair and (occasionally hilarious) statistics.

Nominations included everything from homework, horse flies, and seafood to school uniforms, vaping, marmite, and even myths. The class then presented their cases with confidence, conviction, and a healthy dose of humour.

After much debate and a final vote, the item officially banished to Room 101 was:

“The ridiculously high pay for male footballers,” brilliantly argued and presented by Thea.

Well done, Year 5 you have shown you can persuade, perform, and powerfully present your points of view!