Birkdale Primary School - Literature-based Focus for Writing

In this writing project, pupils from years five and six applied their knowledge of literature and ICT to produce a high quality writing portfolio based on a journalistic styles. This motivated learners to improve their writing standards, utilise ICT to produce the high quality magazine style portfolio and work independently and to high standards (set by themselves). The final portfolio holds evidence of a wide range of writing formats and genres, presented in a professional and hi-tech format.

This aspect of the 'Beowulf' project will be additional to the already extensive creative input by the school, and the professional presentations will develop the use of ICT as a creative influence on the learning process.

The project worked with all children, but targeted boys and able but reluctant writers.

The planning and learning outcomes will be included in the Learning Theme Park, and the overall results may be used to inform the national debate on improving writing skills.

Using the literary topic of ‘Beowulf’ as a starting point, pupils utilised ICT resources and skills to produce a high quality writing portfolio based on journalistic styles of writing.

Enabling pupils to improve their writing skills, recognising different genre styles and learn the importance of independence in learning, quality of presentation and benefits of ICT in achieving this.