STUDENTS at a high school downed their pens during normal lessons to help improve their verbal communication skills.

Pupils from Mount Carmel Roman Catholic School, on Wordsworth Rd in Accrington, participated in 'No Pens Wednesday', a scheme which helps to develop spoken language as part of lessons and aims to support independence, improve pupil engagement and build confidence.

Literacy co-ordinators, Miss Bell and Mrs Ahmed organised the day supported by headteacher Mr Xavier Bowers and the senior leadership team at the school.

They encouraged teaching staff, throughout the whole day to plan alternative lessons utilising the speaking and listening skills of all 750 pupils.

Feedback from both pupils and staff was recorded via a 'Big Brother' type booth.

Mr Bower said: "High quality classroom talk is a key factor in improving pupil engagement, outcomes and the dynamics in a classroom.

"This is the first year we have been involved in this initiative and pupils were really engaged in their learning all day. Pupils and staff were all really positive about the project and we are sure the initiative will run again."

In Health and Social Care lessons, Year 10 pupils had to undertake an obstacle course in groups whilst wearing eye masks. This activity made the pupils think about communication and the importance of issuing clear instructions and how to overcome barriers.

Many practical experiments also took place in science classes. Pupils built robots in computing lessons in group tasks using verbal instructions and in English a persuasive speech was communicated by Year 9 groups.

No Pens Day Wednesday, organised by The Communications Trust since 2011, reached a total of over 5,700 schools in 2016, helping around two million children across the UK to develop their verbal communication skills.