Writing Projects

These writing projects have involved working with clusters of 8 schools for Key Stage 2 or 6 schools for Key Stage 1 pupils. Paula visited the schools for a drama / writing session each week and then, after a period of 4-6 weeks, all the pupils came together at a local theatre to perform their work.

Key Stage 2 plays involved each school acting out a different part of the story – a decade in ‘George and Alice’, a year in ‘Betty’s War’ or a month in ‘Meet Me in the Morning’. None of the pupils knew the whole of the story until they got to the theatre and the show was never rehearsed altogether, which added a certain element of surprise to the day! The pupils’ writing was then published as a book of the story. Both books and play scripts are now available to purchase.

‘The Patchwork Quilt’ was a similar project for Key Stage 1 children, telling different stories from Granny and Grandad’s life. 6 schools came together on the final day to share their work with each other. Children’s pictures and words were used as inspiration for a set of 12 storybooks which, along with the quilt and the play scripts, are also available as resources.

Many teachers have commented on how much the children enjoyed the projects and how their confidence, skills and enthusiasm, both as writers and performers, improved.

Please contact Paula Marris on 07799 833876 if you are interested in developing similar writing / drama projects in your area.