Improving Writing in Primary Schools
Children need to talk before they write! This writing programme is designed for schools who want to develop the use of talk as a means to raise motivation and enjoyment for writing whilst improving standards of achievement in all aspects. The programme focuses on how “Talk for Writing” can be embedded at every stage of the teaching sequence for writing. Teachers will evaluate the impact of these strategies on identified groups of children using consistent assessment approaches as part of a national study.
Course Leader: Jo Puttick
Jo Puttick is a freelance literacy consultant who is passionate about improving standards in English by ensuring the highest quality of teaching and learning. She has worked with a wide range of schools to ensure that the teaching of English is motivational and creative. As part of her role, she trains new teachers on an “outstanding” teacher training programme. Prior to her current role, she taught in a number of primary schools in challenging circumstances. During last year, she worked with Pie Corbett to trial and evaluate the National Strategy “Talk for Writing” materials.
Autumn 2009: Creating Oceans of Language
This session focuses on the need to develop children’s word choices, sentence structures, creativity and expression in order to improve the quality of their writing. This will be examined through the use of poetry, oral text learning and performance and oral story telling. The session includes ensuring consistency in assessment of writing.
- London Tues 15th September
- Birmingham Tues 22nd September
- Leicester Tues 29th September
Spring 2010: Talk across the teaching sequence for writing
This will focus on ensuring that talk is explored throughout the teaching sequence before, during and after writing. There will be a specific focus on strategies which are of particular importance for those who are reluctant to write.
- London Tues 12th January
- Birmingham Tues 19th January
- Leicester Tues 26th January
Summer 2010: Talking non-fiction too!
This session addresses the use of talk strategies within non-fiction writing including developing teacher subject knowledge relating to the text types. This session will include measuring and evaluating the success of the theories explored.
- London Tues 20th April
- Birmingham Tues 27th April
- Leicester Tues 4th May
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The course content above is indicative of plans for the programme at this stage but may be modified slightly to better meet the needs of participants during the year.
One-off courses: It is possible for additional colleagues from participating schools to attend any course for £100. For schools who are not participating in Upward Trends, day delegate attendance on any single course is available for £150.
Your Upward Trends Tutor. In addition to the 3 courses above, participating schools will receive year-round support from a colleague with experience of supporting school-tailored improvement projects. This support includes a project workbook, recent relevant research resources, personal support through telephone, email, face to face sessions and electronic links to other schools on the programme.
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