For Young People

Buddy Writing

What is Buddy Writing?
Buddy writing is about teaming up older students at secondary school with younger children in primary school.  The older student will be paired with younger children, helping them to improve their writing by working with them on a one-to-one basis over a set period of weeks. 

The most usual pairings have been Y12 students studying A level English working in feeder primary schools with Y6 students who are performing just below level 4.  Volunteer adults or classroom assistants might also work in this way with Y6 children. 

The programme lasts for 12 weeks and consists of one session per week, lasting for 45 to 60 minutes.  The focus is chiefly on narrative writing but there is material available for persuasive writing and recount writing.

Buddy Writing is an extension of the successful Buddy Reading programme, which is familiar to many schools.  The writing skills addressed in the programme are taken from the National Literacy Strategy and are appropriate for children not fulfilling level 4 at KS2.

Aims of Buddy Writing:

1. To improve the writing skills of the younger children involved, enhancing their confidence and competence. 
2. For the older students, insights into writing and writing skills and useful experience of working with young children. 
3. For both partners, sharing in the success of creating and publishing a piece of writing.

Content of a Buddy Writing Project:

A Buddy Writing project should have 5 key elements:

• Planning – this may include liaison secondary/primary, organising transport, deciding on pairings, available PCs
• Training - two sessions each of one hour for the older Buddies, plus an interim meeting with trainers four or five weeks into the project to discuss progress.
• Buddy Writing – paired working over a period of 12 weeks, supported by programme and resource sheets
• Celebration – sharing success and thanks – teachers, students and KS two children
• Evaluation – feedback from all sides giving a voice to those involved and providing information which may help improve the pack

If you are interested in setting up a Buddy Writing Project with the young people at your school, please contact: carla@rowa.org.uk

Download the Origami book for Buddy Writing here