I was amazed at the children’s progress both academically and emotionally. They became confident, happy learners who found writing less of a challenge and more of a joy!
Sinead O’Brien, Inclusion Leader, St Theresa’s RCPS, Barnet
See how Karima‘s writing has progressed as she worked through the 1stClass@Writing units – LiamandMadisonhave made excellent progress too!
Fox Hill Primary, Sheffield
1stClass@Writing:
provides targeted use of the Pupil Premium
supports the new national curriculum for English
makes children eager to write
balances the development of transcription, grammar and composition
strengthens teaching assistants’ subject knowledge and wider effectiveness
provides detailed evidence of progress and impact
Two programmes are available to schools
1stClass@Writing: The Pirate Writing Crew – for children who need support to access Year 3 national curriculum expectations
1stClass@Writing: Dragon Hunters – for children who need support to access Year 4 national curriculum expectations
How Does it Work?
1stClass@Writing comes ‘ready-made’ with detailed lesson plans and exciting resources. A specially trained teaching assistant delivers up to 60 stimulating and motivating half-hour lessons to a group of up to 4 children, 4 times a week, in addition to their daily class lessons.
The children develop key skills of spelling, handwriting, grammar and punctuation in order to complete daily writing tasks relating to the adventure stories. They develop their composition and editing skills through a balance of supported ‘one-liners’ as well as sustained, independent writing.
The teaching assistant starts working with their group of pupils straight after the first training day. Then the training runs alongside the implementation of the teaching programme, in that way the Teaching Assistant is trained topic by topic.
The teaching assistant is supported by a Link Teacher from the school.
Impact on Achievement
300 pupils in 70 schools took part in 1stClass@Writing in 2014-15. Their teachers reported an almost immediate impact:
88% of pupils became more confident and motivated to write
70% made more progress than their teachers had expected
Each local provider determines their own charges to schools depending on local circumstances. The charge for 2016/17 for a new 1stClass@Writing teaching assistant, with their Link Teacher, will be in the region of £900.
How do I Access the Training?
Schools can access 1stClass@Writing from local ECC providers. Click hereto find your nearest provider.
How can schools prepare for and manage 1stClass@Writing ?