Writing To Socialise

In the digital age that we now live in, some people worry about the decline of the written word. But at Southbank this fear is unfounded. Our youngest students are given regular authentic opportunities to write - something that is essential in fostering enthusiasm and motivation as well as providing the opportunity to practise skills.

For instance, as part of the Unit of Inquiry, Writing To Socialise, Grade 1 students at both our Hampstead and Kensington campuses have been producing handwritten letters and sharing them with their peers through a penpal programme. The connection between the students will be extended when the Hampstead students will visit the Kensington campus to play some social games and develop their relationships.

Kensington Principal, Judith Kingsbury, said: "The children were very excited to read their letters and talk to each other about their friends in Hampstead. They went on to write their weekend news and work on their latest writers' workshop story and I was very impressed with their efforts, no doubt in part, due to the way their teachers have nurtured their self-confidence and enthusiasm as writers."