Impact

First Story Summer Residential Students 

We are constantly monitoring the impact of our programme on students, teachers and schools.  We utilise school data on exam results to investigate the link between First Story and performance in exams. We also conduct internal follow-up surveys at the beginning and end of the programme, and after events. 

There are several external assessments currently under way. In October 2009, Dr Andrew Green of Brunel University started a three-year rolling evaluation into the effectiveness of First Story’s work. We would also like to offer our thanks to Experian who are evaluating the impact of the First Story programme on developing employability and key skills in students. 

Outcomes

Exam results

As a new charity, we are in the early stages of data analysis. Nonetheless, it is clear that there is a positive correlation between exam results and participation in the First Story programme. 

While we are still gathering exam data for 2009–10, one of the First Story groups reported that 75% of students matched or exceeded their Fischer Family Trust predictions, with another estimating that most students will have improved by a grade on their GCSE results. 

The data from the pilot project, while a small sample group, shows significant improvement in AS and A level grades against a control group of students. Attendance at school was also well above that of their peers. In the pilot year of the programme, 42% of students were predicted a grade B at A level, and none were expected to gain an A. Twenty-five per cent gained an A and 25% gained a B, with all of the rest gaining a C. This was a significant improvement when compared with the rest of the year group. 

Surveys

Students also responded positively to the qualitative surveys distributed by First Story. 

• Almost all students (99%) have become more confident about their writing and their enjoyment of writing has increased. Over two thirds of students (64%) felt this strongly.
• A large majority of students (77%) are writing for pleasure outside of the classroom, with half of these students saying they write frequently.
• Around two thirds of students (63%) said that at the end of the programme they are writing for themselves, with only 10% saying they write for examiners.
• When asked about the best aspects of the programme, almost all of the students (99%) responded, with over two thirds (68%) feeling it was inspirational and exciting, around one half of students (51%) feeling it has increased their love of writing and a similar proportion (49%) focusing on how it has helped them achieve things they could not have done before.
• Almost all of the students (95%) said they will continue to write for pleasure.

Teachers from twelve schools were surveyed in May 2010, and the results clearly show their perceptions of the impact First Story has had on their students’ performance at school. 

• 80% of teachers agreed that their students’ writing has improved beyond predicted levels, and 50% felt that reading has similarly improved.
• 50% of teachers thought there was a gain in school attendance levels as a result of First Story
• 85% reported that students’ career prospects have improved.

Concerning the more general effects on their students, the results were equally encouraging. 

• All teachers felt students have gained in confidence and self-esteem, increased their imaginative faculties and boosted their aspirations.
• Some teachers also pointed out how their students’ social and communication skills have improved as a result of working with students from different year groups. 
• All teachers viewed the production of an anthology and the opportunity to work with a First Story writer as a valuable experience for their students.

First Story has also had a positive impact on teachers’ working practices. All of the teachers surveyed said that it was a source of creative and practical ideas, and over 80% saying it was inspiring and motivating for their teaching. 

Outputs

The Future

After three years, there will have been forty-three residencies in London, Oxford and Nottingham. First Story will have worked with the following: 

• Students – nearly 700 students will have been published in forty-three anthologies.
• Schools – Up to twenty-five different schools will have become First Story schools. The work of First Story goes beyond the students directly involved in the project. Those students set up writing groups of their own once they have completed their course of workshops. They also read in school assemblies and provide inspiration to students and staff in the school, which means that First Story has an impact on countless more.
• Teachers – Up to forty teachers will have had weekly contact with internationally renowned writers and at least 300 will have benefitted from First Story Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Local Community – Up to 5,000 members of the schools and their local communities will have attended cultural events hosted by First Story students  

 Students’ comments on the First Story programme

 The greatest experience I have ever had in school

 Aisha, First Story Student 

It was the most memorable and inspiring thing I have done to date 

Hannah, First Story Student 

 I gained lots of confidence from First Story and learnt that my writing is a part of me and so I will continue to write in my spare time. 

Upjeet, First Story Student 

Did First Story end up being better or worse than you expected? 

A million times BETTER!! (You can quote me on that.) 

Satvinder, First Story student 

 

Teachers’ comments on the First Story programme

I feel they have grown as individuals, they’ve learnt to read and write creatively and not just for an exam or teacher task. They write for themselves. 

It made me remember why I went into teaching! 

Lindsey Chatralia, Cranford Community College 

It has given me a positive face around the school. Students can see I’m not just about attendance and homework but also about creativity and ideas 

Chris Rhodes,  Highgate Wood School