Scotch College

Inspiration for up and coming writers

Authors Jen McVeity, Jo Hinchcliffe and Phil Kettle were regular visitors to the Junior School during Term 2. hey participated in a Writers in Residence program, involving staff, boys and parents, which included a professional development component for staff, as well as an opportunity for interaction between visiting writers and students in a workshop setting.

The focus of Writers in Residence 2004 was on narrative writing and poetry, with the students encouraged to extend their own creative abilities. The program also aimed to develop the teachers' ability to impart and develop techniques confidently in their regular classroom practices. These skills and strategies will be transferable to future writing experiences and projects.

Author Jen McVeity completed a professional development session for teachers, based on her Seven Steps to Writing Success literacy program. She then supported teachers in implementing this program in the Year 3 to 6 classrooms.

Poet Jo Hinchcliffe worked with students from Prep to Grade 2, combining language with art in her poetry writing workshops, and conducting a teacher in-service poetry session.

Prep to Grade 2 students worked with writer Phil Kettle on developing their narrative style, using his new Boyz Rule! series for inspiration. Phil also ran a family evening, here boys and members of their families worked together on a fun and exciting writing task.

The Junior School boys enjoyed this wonderful opportunity to develop their writing skills, and certainly gained enthusiasm and enjoyment for writing. We are grateful to the Junior School Parents' Association, who supported the program.

Brian Sampson
Director of Studies