Ethical Considerations
For this study, several ethical considerations must be meticulously addressed to safeguard the well-being and rights of the pupils, as well as to uphold the integrity of the research process. Notable ethical considerations include:
Confidentiality and privacy are paramount. Data must be securely stored and anonymised to ensure that no individual can be identified from the information collected. Personal information will not be utilised during this research project.
Informed consent was contemplated for this project, including obtaining consent from guardians; however, it was deemed unnecessary due to the nature of the study. The pupils will engage in activities that align with their everyday school experiences.
All pupils must be treated fairly and equitably, ensuring that no individual or group derives greater benefits from the study than others. Each pupil will have the same experiences, irrespective of factors such as age, race, or gender.
Literature Review
Alan Peat's 'Exciting Sentences' framework has become a widely adopted tool in primary education, particularly in the UK, to support the development of students’ writing skills. This approach introduces a range of structured sentence types aimed at enhancing writing variety, creativity, and proficiency, while aligning with national curriculum requirements. Many schools have integrated these sentence types into their literacy programs, demonstrating their practical application in fostering writing progression.
Although empirical research specifically investigating the impact of Alan Peat's sentence types on learners is limited, anecdotal evidence and educator feedback suggest that the systematic use of these structures can enhance writing complexity and fluency. Educators have reported observable improvements in pupils’ ability to construct diverse and engaging sentences. For example, Courthouse Green Primary School has employed this framework as part of its literacy strategy, noting alignment with educational standards and positive learner outcomes.
This research aims to explore the potential impact of Alan Peat's 'Exciting Sentences' framework on pupils’ writing abilities. By examining its application in educational settings and its influence on learners’ engagement and proficiency, this study seeks to address the gap in empirical evidence and provide insights into the effectiveness of this instructional strategy.