Introduction to 'Making your Mark' Twilight

We are currently not running this twilight but you can book one of our consultants to run this (in your setting, at your choice of venue or online). Please get in touch with our consultancy department for more details consultancy@focus-education.co.uk 

In the recent Ofsted English subject report, ‘Telling the story’, complements and praise are given to approaches schools use for early reading, but this was not mirrored for writing. One of the main issues is that the writing curriculum often introduces complex tasks too early before many pupils are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.

We are delighted to introduce you to a scheme devised by EYFS practitioner Sharon Ellis, who has taken into account what has worked well in her 30 years of experience. It has been remarkably successful for children who otherwise would struggle to meet a GLD for reading and writing at the end of their reception year.

The ‘Making Your Mark’ scheme is a gimmick-free, ‘down to Earth’, progressive approach to engaging children in early writing. It provides them with the essential tools they need to meet a Good Level of Development in both reading and writing at the end of reception.

It works particularly well for children who lack confidence, are international new arrivals (INAs), or have English as an additional language (EAL). Yet it provides activities and challenges for confident, English first-language speakers. The scheme works well for children who have moved into Year 1 and are not yet at a Good level of Development in reading and writing.

Training

The training is two hours, split into 2 x one-hour sessions.

The cost is £40 and should you choose to go ahead and purchase the scheme, this will be deducted from the cost.  

View more information about the Making your Mark scheme of work

'I have had the privilege of working alongside Sharon since 2007, and I can honestly say she is an absolute credit to the profession. Her passion, dedication and drive are exemplary, and she is incredibly skilled in all areas of education. Sharon continually strives to ensure that all children make the very best progress they can, and it is this desire that led her to create such an amazing scheme and approach to language development. The positive impact of this is clear to us as a school. I wholeheartedly recommend working with Sharon and using her materials in order to better provide pupils with what they need to succeed.'  Paul Wardle (Headteacher and School Improvement Partner)

Standards for Teachers’ Professional Development Statement

This course is underpinned by rigorous scholarship and supported by continual development and support. It meets the DfE’s Standards for Teachers’ Professional Development in the following ways:

• This professional development course has a focus on improving and evaluating pupil outcomes;
• It is underpinned by robust evidence and expertise, and is clear on intended outcomes and objectives;
• There is an expectation of collaboration and there will be expert challenge;
• The course is part of a CPD programme designed to equip staff with the knowledge and skills required to effectively implement within their school, and sustain improvements over time.