Preparatory School Writer's Festival 2019 | Page 3

Guildford Grammar Preparatory School
Foreword
by David Taylor
Welcome to the 2019 GGS Prep Writing Festival Magazine.
Inside you will get a glimpse into the three days that were filled
with inspiration, creativity and collaboration as students worked
with a range of experts to inspire their love for writing. The
festival was developed out of a desire to help students find a
passion for and love of writing. We know that engagement
and attitude are significant indicators of success. We believe
that immersing students in the writing process with access to
the support of professionals is an authentic model for inspiring
personal excellence.
The experience and expertise of authors Cristy Byrne and Raewyn
Caisley, alongside the unique skills of our own Guildford staff
created a program that was diverse in its offerings and allowed
students to engage with and explore areas of personal interest.
Having a purpose for writing and an understanding of who
the audience is are significant indicators of success. It is for this
reason we provided students with the opportunity to explore
various modes of writing and have large chunks of uninterrupted
time so that they could think, collaborative and create their own
piece of writing.
Writing Festival
2019
“I have found some love of writing and been inspired to think outside the box.”
“It has made me feel more passionate about becoming an author.”
“I think my piece of writing at the end was amazing!
It inspired me to keep writing.”
As you will see throughout the magazine, this writing varied
tremendously and included stories, poetry, music and scripts.
Students were encouraged to submit their work for publication
in this magazine to create a sense of a larger audience. It was
this understanding of purpose and audience that many students
commented on and appreciated. It was an inspiring scene on the final day of our festival walking
through the building to see the level of engagement and focus.
I trust that you will pick up on this in the photos within the
magazine. Additionally, the feedback from students is already
driving our plans for future events with wonderful suggestions
for new workshops that students would like to experience.
A key focus at Guildford Grammar Preparatory School is on
student voice. One of the biggest indicators of engagement
and achievement in schools is the presence of student voice.
Do students have a say in what and how they are learning? Are
students listened to and included in decisions that will impact
them? The festival was deliberately designed to give students the
opportunity to explore a diverse range of writing modes and then
to follow their own passion and interest. Please enjoy this magazine which is a celebration of our students,
our school and of course, the wonderful act of writing!
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Kind regards,
David Taylor
Upper Primary Coordinator