How can teachers effectively guide secondary students in improving their communication skills? How do reading, writing, listening, and speaking work together to foster growth? And how can a teacher design lessons that engage learners with diverse abilities, ensuring the content is “just right” for everyone?
These were the questions I faced as both a teacher and Head of Teaching and Learning at Chester College International School when tasked with developing a Writing Workshop for Middle and High School students.
What is a Writing Workshop?
A Writing Workshop goes beyond grammar and punctuation; it creates a safe space for students to explore their creativity and communicate confidently. Many students at this level feel pressured by the need to achieve high grades, leading to a fear of failure. One of the foundational elements of a successful Writing Workshop is fostering a supportive community where students feel free to take risks. This encourages growth, as even the smallest steps contribute to long-term success.
Starting with Familiar Territory
To kick off our Writing Workshop, we began with something familiar: our names. Each student has an emotional connection to their name, making it an excellent starting point for self-expression. Questions like, "Why was this name chosen for you?" and "If you could change your name, what would it be?" helped students dive into reflective writing. We also incorporated the picture book Chrysanthemum—proving that even secondary students can enjoy a well-crafted story, especially when it ties into themes of identity and self-worth.
Preparing for Cambridge Writing Exams
Once the classroom community was established, we turned our attention to the more technical aspects of writing, especially those necessary for success in the Cambridge writing exams. Although unfamiliar with the exam's requirements at first, I immersed myself in learning about scoring criteria, common pitfalls, and best practices, thanks to the vast online resources available.
The first key lesson? Planning! I introduced the concept of avoiding "word vomit"—writing without clear direction. Thanks to a YouTube personality who emphasized the importance of planning, students quickly saw the impact of structured writing on the quality of their essays.
Building Vocabulary and Communication Skills
Next, we focused on expanding students' vocabulary to help them express themselves more effectively. Terms like “a lot,” “things,” and “good” were replaced with richer alternatives like “plethora” and “exceptional.” We made vocabulary practice fun by incorporating these new words into our daily conversations. Soon, students were eagerly describing their “phenomenal” weekends!
The Journey Continues...
This Writing Workshop has been a learning experience for everyone involved. Although the true test will come when students tackle their Cambridge writing prompts, the progress we’ve made as a class has been invaluable. Secondary students are passionate about many topics—especially animals—and they still enjoy picture books and games, proving that learning can and should be fun.
The workshop’s journey is far from over, but one thing is certain: Chester College International School is committed to helping students grow not only as writers but as confident communicators ready to take on any challenge.
By Ms Clara Southerland, Head of Teaching and Learning at Chester College International School
