Teaching Creative Writing With Confidence Using the STEPUPS™ Framework
Transform how you teach writing with a proven system designed by an experienced journalist and 11+ tutor.
Do your students struggle with creative writing?
Vague Instructions
“Add more detail” and “be more creative” leave students confused and frustrated
Weak Structure
Stories with boring beginnings, meandering middles, and abrupt endings
Time Pressure
Students panic under exam conditions, forgetting what makes good writing
This course provides a clear, easy-to-teach framework that transforms how your students approach creative writing, especially for competitive 11+ and independent school entrance exams.
“After 20+ years as a professional journalist for publications like Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and BBC Good Homes, I’ve distilled what makes compelling writing into a simple framework that any tutor can teach and any student can learn.”
– Joycellyn Akuffo, Founder of Geek School Tutoring
Introducing STEPUPS™: The Writing Ladder Framework
A proven 7-step system that guides students through the complete story-writing process
| Step | Meaning | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| S | Spark the idea | Imaginative hook, ‘what if’ moments |
| T | Tell the setting | Character, setting, tone, mood |
| E | Escalate the problem | Conflict begins, tension introduced |
| P | Pile on the tension | Rising action, decisions, complications |
| U | Unleash the climax | Turning point or peak moment |
| P | Pull it together | Falling action and emotional impact |
| S | Seal the ending | Resolution, reflection, final impact |
Why STEPUPS™ Works Better Than Story Mountain
Traditional story mountains are too vague and leave students confused about what to include at each stage. STEPUPS™ provides clear, actionable guidance that produces higher-quality writing and better exam results.
Course Modules
What You’ll Receive
7 In-Depth Video Lessons
Step-by-step guidance on implementing the STEPUPS™ framework with real examples and demonstrations
Complete Lesson Plans
Ready-to-use lesson plans for each stage of the STEPUPS™ framework
Printable Resources
STEPUPS™ worksheet planner, wall chart, and marking rubrics
Story Prompt Bank
Specially crafted writing prompts designed to work with the STEPUPS™ framework
Self-Edit Checklist
Help students evaluate their own work with the “Have I stepped up?” checklist
What Tutors Say
“The STEPUPS™ framework has transformed how I teach creative writing. My students now have a clear roadmap for their stories, and I’ve seen dramatic improvements in their exam results.”
Sarah T., 11+ Tutor
“As a new tutor, I was struggling to teach creative writing effectively. This course gave me a structured approach and the confidence to guide my students through the writing process.”
Michael L., English Tutor
“The marking rubric alone was worth the price of the course. It’s made giving feedback so much clearer, and students understand exactly what they need to improve.”
Rachel W., Independent Tutor
“I’ve been teaching for 15 years and wish I’d had this framework sooner! My students remember STEPUPS™ easily and it’s helped them create more coherent, engaging stories.”
Daniel K., English Teacher
About Your Instructor
Joycellyn Akuffo
I am a journalist by profession with more than two decades of experience working on some of the UK’s top publications, including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and BBC Good Homes.
As the founder of Geek School Tutoring, I’ve helped hundreds of children secure places at their dream grammar and independent schools over the past 10+ years, with many achieving scholarships.
I developed the STEPUPS™ framework after seeing too many bright students struggle with creative writing. My approach combines professional writing techniques with practical teaching strategies to give students the structure they need to excel.
Enrol Today
Start teaching creative writing with confidence
Teaching Creative Writing With Confidence
Using the STEPUPS™ Framework
£247
£197
7 comprehensive video modules
Complete lesson plans for each STEPUPS™ stage
Printable resources and marking rubrics
Story prompt bank aligned with STEPUPS™
Access to the tutors community
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from other creative writing courses?
Most creative writing courses focus on general principles without providing a clear, teachable structure. The STEPUPS™ framework gives you a concrete system that’s easy to teach and easy for students to remember – especially under exam conditions.
Do I need teaching experience to benefit from this course?
No. While experienced teachers will find the framework enhances their existing practice, the course is designed to be accessible for new tutors and those with limited teaching experience. The step-by-step approach makes it easy to implement regardless of your background.
How quickly will I see results with my students?
Many tutors report noticeable improvements in student writing within 2-3 sessions of implementing the STEPUPS™ framework. The structured approach gives students immediate confidence, while the deeper elements of the framework build over time to create sophisticated writers.
Is this suitable for group teaching or only for one-to-one tuition?
The STEPUPS™ framework works equally well for both individual and group teaching. Module 6 specifically addresses strategies for teaching STEPUPS™ to mixed ability groups, making it versatile for various teaching environments.
How long do I have access to the course materials?
You’ll have lifetime access to all course materials, including any future updates to the STEPUPS™ framework resources and teaching guides.
Transform How You Teach Creative Writing Today
Join hundreds of successful tutors who have revolutionized their creative writing instruction with the STEPUPS™ framework