Writing in English as an additional language at Key Stage 2
July 2003 - May 2004(Contact: Prof. Lynne Cameron)
Funded By: Department for Education and Skills
Other project members:
Dr Sharon Besser
The project followed the earlier OFSTED work at Key Stage 4 (see below) and investigated writing at Key Stage 2 (age 11 years), comparing the use of English by pupils for whom it is a first language with those for whom it is an additional language.
An integrated framework for writing was developed to guide analysis at whole text and at 'within text' levels. Scripts were rated for a range of features from genre through clause grammar to words and phrases. Statistical tests and in-depth qualitative investigations were carried out to compare EAL writing with L1 writing and across levels of achievement.
Findings show that errors in prepositions and formulaic phrases continue to mark EAL writing as different from L1 writing after 5 and 10 years in the UK education system. Differences were also found in the extent to which language resources were adapted for genre. The research evidence suggests that EAL students benefit more than their L1 peers from explicit teaching of aspects of writing, but that schools need to provide more experience with a range of written genres.
The project report has been distributed nationally and is having an impact on the Primary National Strategy and Ethnic Minority Achievement Project.
Project report
Cameron, L. & S. Besser. 2004. Writing in English as an Additional Language at Key Stage 2. Department for Education and Skills, Research Report 586. Nottingham: DfES Publications. pp.137. October 2004.
The report can be ordered from: www.dfes.gov.uk/research
Key Stage 4 report:
Cameron, L. 2003. Writing in English as an Additional Language at Key Stage 4 and post-16. London: Office for Standards in Education. pp 65. March 2003.
The report can be downloaded from: www.ofsted.gov.uk
Contact details:Professor Lynne Cameron
School of Education
University of Leeds.
This project last updated by Karon McBride on 5th October 2005.