THERE were no pen-pushing pupils at a Black Country school during a special activity day. For one day only no pens were allowed in lessons at St Martin’s Primary School, in Tipton, after research revealed the average length of a pupil’s answer is just four words. Deputy head teacher Kelly Lees said children became more involved than they normally would. She added: “They found out that you don’t need to pick up a pen or pencil to actually learn. They can learn through drama and role play.” Classroom activities included podcasting, maths games, debating, vocabulary games and talk homework. Teachers and school staff also used lesson plans and activity templates developed by specialist teachers and speech and language therapists. It was part of a national event organised by The Communication Trust and Jean Gross, the Government’s communication champion.