StorySLAM

Annual story writing and storytelling competition for Y5-6 pupils, who must imagine, write and read to an audience their original short story of maximum 3 minutes.

Schools run their internal StorySLAM programme between Oct-Jan. Pupils are selected to represent their school at United Learning regional finals, where they take part in 3 workshops on writing and performance. 1 or 2 students from each school perform their stories in the afternoon for the chance to win the regional title. Imaginative workshops provide specialist CPD for teachers.

Aims

To promote engagement in literacy; to foster imagination in writing; to consider writing for an audience, to build self-confidence in public speaking.

We wanted a fearless engagement in storytelling that reignited imaginative fun in literacy, that would improve reading and writing skills. Teachers did not feel confident in new ways of approaching creative writing.

Background

Surbiton’s writer in residence, Stuart Bird, ran this initially as part of a London-centric competition for 10 schools with Southbank Centre.

Stuart & United Learning saw the potential to open up to UL schools in South East cluster, and then later nationwide.

Resources

Day trip to regional finals.

Teachers to deliver and short list. 1 per class. 4-8 lessons, plus reading.

 Not from individual schools – only travel costs to regional finals.

UL supplies lunch, prizes. Host school supplies stationery.

Impact

Produced by ImpactEd 2019:

Measured core outcomes were:

·      intrinsic motivation,

·      self-efficacy,

·      reading attainment.

Results showed that attendance at regional finals provided a positive increase in motivation. In addition, attainment analysis showed a ‘statistically significant increase’.

Pupil Involvement

Urbiton Girls Prep 45, Surbiton Boys’ Prep 42, other schools total 700+

Schools level of participation varies: some opt for one class, or one class each from Y5 & Y6, others enter a whole year cohort.

How old are the pupils? 9-11 yrs.

What gender are they, if relevant? Mixed.

Frequency

On-going and annual.