Writing

Rationale

The written word has been a primary source of recording human history and God’s dealings with the people He created. The ability to write clearly and concisely using a range of structures for a specified audience is an essential tool in effective written communication.  It is only by the development of these skills that individuals can communicate their ideas and stories with others.  Writing continues to be a major tool in almost all learning and living in western society today. The aim of writing instruction is to build students’ accuracy, their fluency, and their ability to create meaningful text.

The school strives to develop skilful writers who can effectively communicate their ideas allowing them to communicate with other people for life and service on this earth and in preparation for the eternity to come.

Special Character - Values

Worship:

Theory

God has given us the capacity to communicate through writing. God calls us to worship Him. Worship can be conveyed using a wide variety of means - including through writing. 

John 4:24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. 

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Revelation 12:11 They triumphed over him... by the word of their testimony.

These verses remind us to encourage students to utilise their writing abilities for the Glory of God.

Practical Uses

• Prayer journals.

• Utilising Encounter Unit to provide a Worship context in Writing lessons.

• Writing Worship themed poetry and songs.

Perseverance:

Theory

Writing is a process. This process requires perseverance. The Bible was not written in a day; it was written over a great length of time. Recrafting and editing, an essential part of the Writing process, requires the ability to persevere until the writing expresses the author's purpose. Just like God perseveres in crafting and moulding us, writing requires crafting and moulding as well.

Hebrews 6:11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realised.

James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Practical Uses

• Following through writing processes until final edit/draft is complete

• Making the positive choice to overcome writer's block by seeking help from the appropriate source.

Contribution:

Theory

God has given us the written Word to lead us in Godliness and Truth. He is the Ultimate Communicator and Contributor. Likewise, God has given us the ability to communicate and we can use our communication to share God's love. 

Practical Uses

• Sharing writing with others

• Helping others edit, giving effective feedback

• Communicating ideas, feelings and opinions through their writing

Excellence:

Theory

Excellence is interwoven through God's Word. In the Bible, God created everyone perfect and He plans to restore us to perfect excellence when He returns.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 

Hebrews 4:12 For the Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Practical Uses

• Handwriting excellence

• Presentation and layout of our writing

• Effectively express the author's intention in our writing

Love:

Theory

God expresses His love to us through the written Word of God. We can also use the written word to express our love of Writing and our love for God and others.

1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love.

Practical Uses

• Write to others in need: elderly in rest homes.

• Cards that express love, gratitude, appreciation etc.

• Posters for a cause

• Prayer journalling

• Responding to texts that talk about love

Courage:

Theory

God has given us the tool of the written word to allow us to speak up against injustice. This often takes courage to stand up against what we know is wrong.

Nehemiah 4:14 When I saw their fear, I stood and said to the nobles and officials and the rest of the people: “Do not be afraid of them; [confidently] remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and [with courage from Him] fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and for your homes.”  

Psalm 4:3 But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself [and dealt wonderfully with] the godly man [the one of honourable character and moral courage—the one who does right]. The Lord hears and responds when I call to Him. 

Practical Uses

• Prayer journalling

• Letters of petition on behalf of those who have no voice

Compassion:

Theory

Writing is a tool we can use to communicate. When writing formally (in Reports to parents/letters of complaint), we should take care to express  compassion so that our writing lacks harshness.

Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgive each other, just as in Christ God forgave us." 

Practical Uses

• Sympathy and get well cards

• Letters of complaint/argument in defence of others

• Words of encouragement and edification

Integrity:

Theory

Integrity is foundational in teaching Writing, as it fosters honesty, authenticity, and responsibility. When teachers model integrity, they create a classroom culture that values original thought, ethical use of sources, and respect for others' work. This approach encourages students to own their ideas, build confidence, and commit to honest improvement, establishing a strong foundation for ethical writing practices.

Proverbs 4:23-24 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips."

Practical Uses

• Don't use ChatGPT (discourage plagiarism)

• Emphasise progress and integrity over perfection, encouraging students to see writing as a skill to develop rather than a single outcome

• Teach students to give constructive, honest feedback, helping others improve while respecting their voice and effort