Ocean Locomotion : Raising Standards and Engaging Boys in Literacy
Change School Otterham Primary in North Cornwall wanted to find creative new approaches to engaging boys in literacy and raise standards as a result. Through the project the schools also hoped that a legacy of skills would be developed including up to date digital and technical skills that the whole schools community would benefit from.
Process
Through discussion, planning and liaising with practitioners it was agreed that the the overall focus for the change was for the whole school to engage with creative writing through a cross curricular project called ‘Ocean Locomotion’.
The lead teacher spent time and energy planning the project carefully so the whole school would engage. From the outset there was a clear idea that the project work should start with the younger children, which would engage them and also bring those teachers who were not fully involved in the planning on board, right from the start.
As part of the project, the work was underpinned with trips to enrich the teaching that was taking place. This meant that children from a very small isolated rural community had the opportunity to visit large aquariums in more urban locations like Plymouth and Falmouth.
Practitioners brought in to the project included writers, animators, marine biologists, musicians and shanty singers. All the school's teachers experienced new software and film making techniques, using new digital software. As a result, they completed the project feeling more confident with the new ICT software and there are plans to integrate these skills into the next phase of the Change School work.
The evidence of the change was reflected throughout the school visually through film and through learning installations.
Impact
Since the start of the Change school work the attendance at the school has shown a marked improvement and has been noted.
Ofsted cited in their March report that pupils’ writing, spelling and handwriting skills were showing weakness but ‘this is because increased opportunities for pupils to write imaginatively across the range of subjects have not been in place long enough to lift skills to the full’. They went on to say that ‘teaching is particularly successful in the Year 5 & 6 class, where progress is being accelerated by ensuring that the planned curriculum and learning activities interest the pupils, especially the boys. Topics such as ‘Ocean Locomotion’, for example, stimulate pupils’ enthusiasm, meet their needs and involve them in evaluating their own work’.
Comments concerning writing progress were included. Improvement in writing could be clearly seen in books from the year that the project has been running - due to ‘outstanding marking and oral advice’. This report information came from directly observing lessons in Class 1 about ‘Ocean Locomotion’ (the day after a beach visit with practitioners).
As a result of its Change School work, Otterham was invited to the South West Grid for Learning conference in Torquay to showcase their work to the region. It has since gone on to win first and second place in their animation competition.
Quotes
"I feel so excited about developing all these ideas in the future knowing we have the funding to do it." Teacher
"I think it's really changed the attitude of the whole school. All different classes have worked together and swapped their ideas to make films and digital pictures." Jack, 11
"Practitioners refuel your mind" Aaron, 10
"School could not be better." Georgie, 10
"Yeah we`re the best school - beat that!!" Sam, 9, on winning the Grid for Learning award
ocean locomotion project
