'If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There's no way around these two things that I'm aware of, no shortcut.' - Stephen King, author
Year 7 and 8 have been involved in a long-term writing process activity throughout this term. Year 7 has focused on both imaginative and persuasive writing, drawing inspiration from the novel, Trash by Andy Mulligan. Year 8 has had a narrative writing focus, exploring both fiction and non-fiction, and have read a number of short autobiographical texts, as well as using Classical mythology to spark ideas for an appropriation of a well-known story.
These texts have formed a portfolio of writing that demonstrates their skills in these forms at the Stage 4 level. Our students have been encouraged to consider writing as a process, that takes time and deliberate choices to craft their language and ideas.
These deliberate decisions are also reflected on, as we introduce the students to an important step in any design process. Justifying their decisions in word choice, language features and structures used in each piece allows them to demonstrate that they know what makes effective writing, and develops their critical thinking skills.
Their writing portfolios are coming together nicely, and parents should be able to see evidence of their drafts and proofreading efforts at this stage of the term. Portions of their portfolios will be formally submitted for assessment in the first half of Term 2, as a culmination of their hard work.
One of my favourite parts of writing portfolios, as an English teacher, is to see the enjoyment and satisfaction of my students as they look back over their writing early in the year, or previous year, and discover just how much they have improved. I encourage parents to join us in celebrating the achievements in writing each student has had, as a way to motivate them towards further writing success in the future!
Mrs Roslyn Rodriguez
Secondary Teacher - English & Year 7 Advisor