Western Isles Building Bridges case study
Functional writing / Focus on boys / Formative assessment
PDF file: Western Isles Building Bridges case studyNorth Uist Cluster
Berneray School – 11 pupils
Carinish School – 33 pupils
Lochmaddy School – 31 pupils
Paible School – a 5–14 school with an S1/S2 of 39 and a primary department of 58
A common concern to both sectors was a lack of confidence in functional writing in particular and a less positive attitude towards writing in general particularly among boys. The social subjects teacher had also noted poor note-taking abilities in S1/S2. With formative assessment strategies being introduced, the time was deemed appropriate to apply some of these to the teaching of functional writing.
Reading in the literature and revisiting strategies suggested in ‘Improving Writing 5–14’ helped identify successful approaches to raising attainment in writing. Initial targets would include improving skills in reporting, explaining, describing procedures and persuasive writing.
Contexts for developing functional writing in the above categories were imaginative, particularly where the writing was about food! One pupil even got a copy of the Prime Minister’s favourite chocolate cake recipe! Purposeful tasks had ensured progression and purposeful writing. Formative assessment strategies helped progress writing with frequent discussion of good writing models. The social subjects teacher devised writing frames to improve note-taking skills and constructive feedback became a natural event. This was supported by the community librarian, who involved pupils with a range of non-fiction texts.
Although results were positive, the team are intent on further development and improvement. This good practice has been shared through network meetings, and posters highlighting various functional genres have been produced for classroom use.