The Big Write

Light a candle, or have one flickering on the whiteboard.

Play soft music.

Start the "Big Write"...

The idea is that students have been building up to an extended piece of independent writing. This will be assessed and levelled/ graded by the teacher. (As well as self, peer-assessed...) Students become used to getting in "flow", the feeling of writing taking over, of the "writer's block" sensation being overcome. All good practice for controlled assessments and exams, as well as continuing good practice from primary school.

Writing is seen as a quiet, independent activity; a calming, pleasurable experience that is being valued, not hacked about with the 4 part lesson structure.

After all, the ideal is surely to work towards the "no part" lesson?

How often?

Whenever it naturally occurs after a unit mirroring the writing process? As mid-term assessment? Every few weeks? Plan so that mark-load is bearable.

All other bits, pieces, stuff in exercise books should not have to be marked by the teacher. Instead, ensure use of embedded AfL in the classroom gives instant snapshots of attainment.

All "Big Write" work to be kept in a separate folder for moderating and evidence of pupil progress. Exercise books do not get shown at parents' evenings, but these do!