Writing
Our Whole-School Approach To Teaching Writing
At our school, we adopt a consistent, whole-school approach to teaching writing, with the goal of enhancing student learning and supporting every child’s growth into a confident, capable writer.
Writing with Purpose and Engagement
Engagement is at the heart of everything we do. We know that students are more successful when they see themselves as writers and feel motivated to express their ideas. That’s why we focus on building confidence, ownership, and a sense of purpose in every writing lesson.
Students learn to write a wide variety of text types, including:
- Recounts,
- Letters,
- Information reports,
- Persuasive arguments, and
- Historical and imaginative narratives.
These genres are often linked to what students are learning in other subjects. For example, if the current topic in Integrated Studies is science, students may focus on writing information reports or explanation texts related to scientific ideas.
Developing Strong, Independent Writers
Our goal is to help students create writing that:
- Has a clear message,
- Follows an appropriate structure,
- Includes detail and rich vocabulary, and,
- Uses correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and handwriting.
Language conventions are taught explicitly within our writing program, enabling students to develop both creativity and technical skills.
What Writing Looks Like in the Classroom
Students take part in writing lessons that include:
- Explicit teaching – Teachers model writing strategies and use rich language to spark ideas.
- Student discussion – Students share ideas and build vocabulary before writing.
- Guided and independent practice – After the modelled lesson, students write at their level, practising what was taught.
Teachers support students through small group focus sessions and one-on-one writing conferences, helping them refine their work and build confidence.
Personal Writing Goals
Each student has a personal writing goal tailored to their needs. These goals:
- Help students understand what they’re working towards,
- Keep them engaged in their learning, and,
- Support growth over time.
By focusing on learning and improvement, rather than perfection, students become more motivated and take greater ownership of their writing progress.
The 6+1 Traits of Writing
To support quality writing instruction, we use the 6+1 Traits of Writing framework. This approach is flexible and aligns with our curriculum. It helps students understand what makes writing effective and how they can enhance their writing skills.
The Traits we focus on are:
- Ideas – The content and message of the writing,
- Organisation – The structure and flow,
- Voice – The writer’s unique style and tone,
- Word Choice – The use of precise and vivid vocabulary,
- Sentence Fluency – How the writing sounds when read aloud,
- Conventions – Correct use of grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and,
- Presentation – How the writing looks on the page.
How We Teach Using the Traits
Our writing instruction is targeted and meaningful. Students learn to:
- Recognise the Traits in mentor texts,
- Match their learning to clear rubrics and goals,
- Receive descriptive feedback to support growth, and,
- Write regularly and reflect on their progress.
With this structured yet flexible approach, students not only learn how to write—they come to enjoy writing, understand its purpose, and grow their own unique voice.
Join Our BPPS Community
Choosing the right school is a significant decision. At Boroondara Park Primary School, we are committed to creating an enriching and supportive environment where every child can thrive.
Enrolments for Foundation 2026 are now open.
We invite you to book a school tour and discover firsthand what makes BPPS a special place for learning and growth.