Literacy enrichment programme 2013 Raising achievements in boys’ writing.

Why boys? Concerns about boys’ achievements in literacy, and in writing in particular, are not new. However, current government test results show a continuing gap between boys’ and girls’ achievements in literacy. The gap is widest in writing. Whilst the reasons for boys’ lower test scores are complex and varied, influenced by factors out of school as well as within the classroom, nevertheless, the gap in attainment needs to be taken seriously. The Primary National Strategy has identified boys’ achievements in writing as a key issue and this is the focus of the enrichment programme.

This equates to 8 children. ANALYSING THE DATA... Therefore, there is a 6% deficit between boys and girls achieving level 4+. This equates to 8 children.

This deficit is evident in Years 3 & 4 from analysing the results from July 2013: 15 = 2b 17 = 2a 19 = 3c

SIP: To raise writing across the school by 3% per level per year group from July 2013 results. KEY PRIORITY

Scaffolding learning:

To raise attainment in boys’ writing. The course will: Provide experiences and drama to stimulate boys’ engagement in writing. Allow time for children to reflect and talk about personal experiences prior to writing. Develop understanding through drama, hot-seating and role play. Provide male role-models to mentor the children through their writing journey. Work with class teachers monitor impact and progress. Collaboration between class teachers, parents and mentors is essential for programme to have ultimate impact.

Boys actually writing… Shared writing during experiences (story writing, poetry, description). Extended writing post experiences to reflect on and embed learning. Blogging post-experience (diary writing). Presentations using PowerPoint (persuasive writing). Focussed mentor sessions to follow up on acquired writing skills.

Trafalgar Square & Covent Garden EXPERIENCE 1: Trafalgar Square & Covent Garden Session focus: Story Writing Creating and describing a character. Describing a setting. Engaging a reader through detail.

EXPERIENCE 2: Christmas Sales Session focus: Poetry Exploring feelings and emotions. Using language for effect. Create energy through imagery.

Orienteering in the woods EXPERIENCE 3: Orienteering in the woods Session focus: Suspense Exploring feelings and emotions. Using language for to engage the reader. Create tension through writing.

School presentation & tour. EXPERIENCE 4 & 5: School presentation & tour. Literacy enrichment programme run by Hayes last year in with 13 boys in Year 5. Average APS 5.3 at end of programme. Session focus: Speaking & Listening Language for presenting to an audience. Persuasive language. Building self-confidence.

Celebration with family & friends. EXPERIENCE 6: Celebration with family & friends. Session focus: Reflecting & Evaluating Sharing and reflecting on experiences. Celebrating pieces of work. Evaluating learning and looking forward.

Questions?