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Headshot Young Girl

Ernest Pawlowski

VIA24

United Kingdom

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Challenge

Challenge: A consistent pattern of lagging writing grades across schools, including those within our trust, presents a significant opportunity. While students excel in maths and reading, their writing skills have not progressed at the same pace at our schools. Children are growing up in a digital age, where screens and devices play an increasingly prominent role in their lives. While these tools offer valuable learning experiences and connection opportunities, they may also influence language development. Exposure to informal online communication styles, including slang and abbreviations, can sometimes affect students' grasp of standard English and formal writing conventions. The prevalence of screens can sometimes limit opportunities for face-to-face interactions and conversations. These interactions are crucial for developing strong verbal communication skills, which are foundational for writing proficiency and comprehension. I have observed that younger children often struggle with following instructions, understanding complex concepts and even articulating their thoughts and feelings clearly. These essential skills form the foundation for creativity and imagination, which I've noticed many children lack when it comes to writing. Students' writing often reveals weaknesses in spelling, grammar and descriptive detail. Even in schools with strong SATS grammar test scores, this knowledge doesn't consistently translate into well-crafted writing. Pupils frequently express feeling overwhelmed by the cognitive demands of writing, including basic sentence construction. Effective communication and written language are crucial for pupils’ future successes. Even in a digital world, the ability to articulate ideas, persuade, influence and build relationships (both personally and professionally) often depends on constructing coherent thoughts and opinions. We aim to empower young people to develop these vital skills.

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