Writing Goal: All teachers will have a shared knowledge and understanding of the teaching of Writing in order to implement consistent evidence based practices that lead to improved student growth.

This year to achieve our writing goal all staff began by unpacking the syllabus and learning progression documents to develop a shared understanding of the assessable elements of writing. This foundation allowed staff to use these elements of writing to co-construct a common grade scale (criteria) for writing, ranging from Kindergarten to Year 6. This was a highly valuable process that not only developed shared understandings about assessing writing, but also provided a clear direction of the whole class, small group and individual needs of students. To utilise this assessment data staff recorded their common grade scales on a tracking spreadsheet that allowed them to identify student areas of need and identify learning growth. 

Once teachers had a comprehensive understanding of their students' needs in writing the school engaged in further professional learning to consolidate previous learning of the implementation of the 7 Steps to Writing Success program. Each stage then used their data to collaboratively design teaching and learning activities that were responsive to the needs of their students. This proved to be a high impact strategy, which was evident during the celebration of learning structures where staff shared their successes in a variety of ways.

This year the school continued to focus on engaging in a variety of differentiation strategies that allowed teachers to engage, challenge and extend all students. As a part of this process the Stage 3 team engaged in a collaborative writing project that included support from CEDoW staff and external professionals. This project supported students to develop a range of tools and strategies using digital technology to bring their writing to life. The impact of this project was extraordinary, which was evidenced by the engagement of all students and the quality of student work samples. 

Next year we will continue our journey of refining our teaching practice in writing with a particular focus on grammar, punctuation and spelling. We look forward to sharing and celebrating our progress with you throughout 2021.

Mr James Bryce - Assistant Principal