Pilot Pen | The Great Writing Debate

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More technology in the classroom doesn’t automatically mean better learning.

In fact, research is starting to show that heavy screen use can affect attention, memory, and how deeply students think, especially when it replaces things like handwriting, planning, and sustained focus.

This isn’t about screens versus books. It's about what happens when we remove the friction that lets thinking happen. Handwriting is one of those friction points. A pen isn’t just a writing tool, it’s also a great thinking tool that helps shape ideas, structure thinking, and improve understanding.

That’s why Pilot Pen UK is asking schools across the country to put this to the test in a nationwide research project.

How does it work?

Students are told to plan, but many

don’t see its impact .

This lesson makes it visible.

By testing, measuring and reflecting on the outcomes, students will see first-hand what happens when they separate thinking from writing.

Their responses are captured as part of a wider national project.

Built for the curriculum

We know term time is precious, so we've made this easy.

One 50-minute lesson for Years 7–10

Reinforces planning, structure and idea development

No extra marking

Works with most texts and writing tasks

Supports clearer responses and stronger performance under timed conditions

Part of a wider national project

Across participating schools, students will complete the same task and reflection on their experience. From this we hope to build a large-scale picture of:

How students approach writing

How methods shape thinking

How digital habits influence the process

Your class becomes part of that collective insight.

School Prizes

Every participating school that submits surveys will be entered into a prize draw to win £1,000 of Pilot supplies - featuring erasable, gel, and liquid ink pens, plus whiteboard, permanent, and paint markers, highlighters, mechanical pencils, and fineliners.

What to expect?

We’ve done all the planning and preparation so all you have to do is run one structured lesson with your class and submit your reflection surveys before 17th July.

Once you register in the form below, you’ll receive:

Ready-to-run 50-minute lesson plan (PDF)