This British Academy-funded research project has investigated the potential for digital resources and apps to promote children’s engagement and enjoyment in school-based narrative writing, within a targeted unit of work, where the outcome is a written narrative that aligns with National Curriculum expectations for competence in transcription and composition.  

Current national school data indicates that there are significant gaps between girls’ and boys’ attainment in writing, and marked under-attainment for those labelled ‘disadvantaged’. Recent National Literacy Trust Surveys record the lowest ever levels of writing enjoyment amongst all learners, but particularly amongst boys with low socio-economic status.  

Using three research approaches: a teacher survey, a participatory teacher workshop, and the construction of two ‘telling case’ studies, involving a Year 3 class and a Year 5-6 class setting, this research has specifically investigated how digital resources and apps can support the narrative writing process, and promote enjoyment and engagement amongst pupils in Key Stage Two.  

Based on the research, recommendations for the development of a set of principles to guide writing pedagogy involving digital resources and apps have been made. 

Sponsor(s): British Academy/ Leverhulme Small Research Grant 

Lead Investigator: Dr Clare Dowdall 

Funding: £8475 

Project active: 22nd Aug 2022 – 31st July 2024 

Reference: SG2122\210370