As part of Creative Junction’s Network Schools programme, six teachers from Oxley Park Academy, Langland Community School (Milton Keynes) and Chantry Primary School in Luton are working together to develop a model that will change the way their Year 6 pupils are taught literacy.
Singer songwriter Tom Billington has led three CPD sessions – giving teachers an intense introduction to songwriting techniques. The teachers have also explored ways to make links to literacy through singing and songwriting processes.
Equipped with their new skills, the teachers have been set some ‘homework’!
“So much has been achieved already…this project will have such a dramatic impact on the way we teach literacy”. Corrina Warren, Year 6 teacher at Oxley Park Academy
Each teacher will focus on one particular text type (eg. discussion text, persuasive text, recounts…) and write a song with their pupils on this theme. It is hoped that the experience of both producing and singing the songs will develop students’ grammatical knowledge and literacy capabilities.
Corrina Warren (Year 6 teacher at Oxley Park Academy) said:
“So much has been achieved already. I think this project will have such a dramatic impact on the way we teach literacy”.
In the coming weeks Tom will be resident at Oxley Park Academy and be available for technical advice, mentoring and classroom support. Teachers from Langland and Chantry Schools will come to Oxley Park – extending professional sharing opportunities and strengthening the schools’ network.
In the summer term the teachers will come back together to share their songs, experiences, learning and outcomes. Oxley Park Academy is working with Creative Junction to measure the impact on student attainment. For more information contact Alison.Leverett-Morris@creativejunction.org.uk
