Engaging Children in Writing
- Reluctant writers & improved descriptive writing
- Teacher workload & wellbeing
The Goal
Moorside Primary, part of the ALP Trust, faced several interconnected challenges with writing instruction. Pupil engagement with writing needed development, particularly amongst reluctant writers, whilst staff workload from in-depth marking was substantial. SEND pupils encountered barriers to accessing writing, and overall attainment in writing lagged behind other subjects.
The Impact with Olex
- Immediate engagement from children, particularly reluctant boys
- More children able to access writing at a higher level
- Barriers to writing reduced for SEND pupils
- Approximately 60–90 minutes saved for teachers per week
- Improved teacher wellbeing
“Olex has massively transformed our children and their passion for writing. It has impacted positively on their confidence in writing.”
Louise Templeton, Executive Headteacher
A Year 6 Moorside student on why they love Olex
“I really love using Olex. It's really easy to use and it helps make my writing brilliant, because I don't need to focus on my handwriting, I can concentrate on my grammar and ideas and just write. Now I can make a fantastic story with no issues. The Imaginator makes my writing come alive and I feel proud when I see the image I have created.”
Sophia S., Year 5 pupil
How They Did It
- The school set targets to boost writing standards and engagement for Year 5 and Year 6.
- Chromebook trolleys with Olex were used for two English classes per week.
- Writing assignments were set as homework.
- Hand-written homework was scanned into Olex at the start of lessons.
- Teachers generated personalised Olex Imaginator storybooks and images for every child.
- Students edit their work in lessons based on Olex feedback.
What's Next?
- The Trust will implement Olex for termly moderation across Years 4, 5, and 6 to ensure consistent assessment standards.
- ALP are exploring how to use Olex across subjects beyond English.