WHEN Calton Junior School was placed in special measures, immediate steps were taken to improve pupils' English and maths skills.
And after youngsters were encouraged to keep blogs online, teachers noticed a marked improvement in their writing.
Helen Lockyer, is on secondment from Rowanfield Junior School in Cheltenham, to help the school get back on track.
She said: "In just a few days this week, the children posted 40 posts to the blog alone.
"The school started these three weeks ago and it has been a success.
"It gives pupils a chance to write and comment on each other's posts and we have noticed an improvement in standards of English."
Pupils are tasked with writing a blog on topics set by the teachers.
And maths has not been forgotten about either, with pupils setting each other questions.
Kirsty Thomas, Year Three teacher, said: "It is beyond a shadow of doubt a success.
"The children have been amazing at it so far."
Among the skills they are learning, are improving the use of adjectives.
Year Six pupil, Maryam Patel, 10, said: "Since starting the blog it has improved our learning about words.
"I find it fun to comment on other people's work and I usually go on site most weekdays and at the weekend."
Year Five pupils became reporters for a day writing up their trip to Bristol Zoo.
Year Six pupil, Aston Matthew, 11, said: "I did a newspaper report on my experience of having a blog. I really enjoyed writing an article."
Year Four's Lily Sarwar, nine, said: "I have a dictionary at home and I look up the different words. Writing pieces for my blog has helped me with my writing because I have been stuck on adjectives but I am improving now."
The school are now asking parents to register on the site.
This will allow them to comment on youngsters' work.
To register, visit www.calton-jun.gloucs.sch.uk and submit your details. Comments will be verified by teachers before appearing.
