Our Junior School is strengthening its approach to writing through the introduction of Talk for Writing, an evidence-informed program designed to support students to become confident, capable communicators.
The approach was introduced across selected year levels in 2025 and is now embedded in classroom practice, including a recent Year 4 lesson co-taught by Mrs Megan McAntee and Mrs Chantelle Bauer, Deputy Head of Junior School - Teaching and Learning.
Developed by Pie Corbett, Talk for Writing supports students to move from imitation to innovation and, ultimately, independent writing by internalising language structures through spoken rehearsal and shared texts.
In the Year 4 classroom, students have spent the term learning a model text through actions and oral storytelling before applying their understanding to shape their own narratives.
"During the term we've learned four different sentence structures and students are now using that story as a base to create their own," Mrs McAntee said.
"At the start, they weren't given any written version of the story. They learned it through gestures and words, then built on that with specific sentence work, including techniques like piling up descriptions and personification."
For many students, the impact has been immediate and personal. Year 4 student Artie Morrissey shared, "I used to find English really hard but now it's my favourite lesson." Digby Easton was equally enthusiastic, saying, "This is the best writing I have ever done!" while Cooper Coutts reflected on his growing confidence with language techniques: "I never knew how to use personification and similes but now I love using them!"
As the unit progresses, students draw on those sentence structures to draft extended pieces of writing, demonstrating increasing independence and creativity.
"This is our first unit using the approach and it's been incredible. It's the best writing I've seen," Mrs McAntee said.
The Junior School's work in this space is closely connected to Mrs Bauer's ongoing doctoral research. Alongside her leadership role at TGS, Mrs Bauer is undertaking a Doctor of Education (EdD), with a focus on advancing professional practice through research in real-world educational settings.
Her research explores how evidence-informed approaches to teaching writing are understood and implemented by primary school teachers, with a focus on how these practices are introduced and sustained across a school.
Rather than evaluating a single program in isolation, the research considers the conditions that support consistent, high-quality writing instruction over time.
The implementation of Talk for Writing at TGS provides a practical example of this work in action, highlighting the value of shared language, structured professional learning and consistent classroom practice.
As an EdD candidate, Mrs Bauer's research remains ongoing and reflects a broader commitment within the Junior School to strengthening writing through thoughtful leadership and evidence-informed decision-making.
Arlie Felton-Taylor
Content Coordinator
References
- Talk for Writing. About Talk for Writing. Available at: https://www.talk4writing.com/about/
Latest News
Building confident writers in the Junior School
The approach was introduced across selected year levels in 2025 and is now embedded in classroom practice, including a recent Year 4 lesson co-taught by Mrs Megan McAntee and Mrs Chantelle Bauer, Deputy Head of Junior School - Teaching and Learning. By imitating and rehearsing language aloud, students build confidence Developed by Pie Corbett, Talk for Writing supports students to move from imitation to innovation and, ultimately, independent writing by internalising language structures through…
Outstanding debut for TGS at Da Vinci Decathlon
The competition, held at Brisbane Boys' College, brought together more than 70 schools from across Queensland, with TGS entering teams from Years 7, 8 and 9 all of whom had been part of our newly established Da Vinci Academy. The Da Vinci Decathlon is a team-based academic competition spanning ten disciplines, including Mathematics, English, Science, Engineering, Ideation and Code Breaking. Students compete in teams of eight, requiring them to collaborate, allocate strengths and problem-solve…
Echoes of Home: Supporting Our School's Remote Boarders
They have driven tractors, ridden motorbikes across paddocks, helped muster livestock and worked in the yards alongside adults. They check fences and watering points and carry responsibility from a young age. It is part of life on the land. It is expected. Meet Ash McClymont, one of several students who has completed much of his schooling remotely through distance education, in his case via the Longreach School of Distance Education.Ash McClymont Fishing at 'Dalkeith'
Maroon and Gold on Blue and Gold Turf
Not this year. Kia Tasman SUVs line the street like sentries and the Old Boys’ Oval hums with activity. Whistles pierce the air and drills unfold at pace but these aren’t schoolboys in Blue and Gold stripes - they’re men in maroon and gold. And this isn’t Rugby Union. It’s Rugby League. The Brisbane Broncos have chosen TGS as their base for the 2026 NRL pre-season, bringing elite sport to the Darling Downs. It’s part of the club’s push to take training into regional Queensland, with open…
TGS 2025 Academic Results
We are delighted to announce that 100% of our Year 12 students have achieved their Queensland Certificate of Education. This year, our highest ATAR was achieved by Rayan Bashir, who attained an exceptional ATAR of 99.85. Congratulations also to Omer Shahid, our Proxime Accessit, with an ATAR of 99.75. Among the many achievements of this cohort:5 students received an ATAR of 99 or above.The median ATAR is 84.5, which is an increase from 2024.10 Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority…
From Grammar Boy to Gallant Gunner
# 1627 WICKS Robert (Bert) Charles 5th Light Horse / 14th Field Artillery Brigade Bert Wicks (as he was commonly known by his family) was born at Oakey (Q) on 22nd June 1897. His father, George, was the headteacher at Oakey State School and his mother, Elizabeth, was also a teacher. Young Bert was educated at Oakey and in his later years at primary school was probably taught by his father who prepared Bert for the Queensland Scholarship Examination. Only a small number of scholarships were…
USA Basketball Tour Provides a Lasting Impact
Riley Lucht (Year 12) has recently completed a basketball journey across the United States, participating in the prestigious AUSA Tour and U17 AAU Tournament. The experience provided invaluable exposure to elite American basketball while representing the School's commitment to developing student athletes at the highest level. Currently competing for the TGS First V in the GPS Basketball season, Riley joined an Australian contingent for the comprehensive tour that spanned Los Angeles and…
2025 5-Star Employer of Choice
Toowoomba Grammar School has been recognised with a 2025 Employer of Choice Award from The Educator marking our second consecutive year of recognition. This award celebrates schools that demonstrate excellence in attractive salaries, comprehensive employee benefits, strong professional development programs and fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace. This recognition reflects our commitment and dedication to creating a workplace where every staff member feels valued and supported. Our…
New Scrum Machine Strengthens TGS Rugby Pathways
This $20,000 investment will play a pivotal role in enhancing scrummaging safety, technique and development for players from Under 11s through to the First XV. Head of Rugby, Mr Lincoln Clapham, said the new machine marks a significant step forward for the School's rugby program. "It allows us to introduce scrummaging in a safe and structured way, beginning with our youngest age groups and building right through to our senior players," he explained. "For our First XV, it provides the…
