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
From Mills Oval to Sydney - Nathan Cook
Now based in Sydney, Nathan is the General Manager of Prudence Rehab, a national occupational rehabilitation provider. His career journey has taken him through the legal and insurance industries, including a significant period with the Suncorp Group, before ultimately relocating to Sydney for his current role. While much has changed since his days at TGS, some memories remain as vivid as ever. "As a young boy, I remember watching the First XV and First XI play on Mills and Old Boys Oval and…
Why Connections Matter
After attending TGS from 2000 to 2004, Brendan went on to study a Bachelor of Laws and Psychological Science at Griffith University before being admitted as a solicitor in 2011. Today, he practises in Commercial and Estate Litigation and Advisory, a profession where relationships and networks play a significant role. "TGS has certainly been helpful in developing networks throughout my career," Brendan said. "Working in a profession that relies heavily on relationships, I've found being a TGS…
A Legacy of Service: Celebrating 20 Years of Sony Camp
At the same time, it has shaped generations of young men through one of the School's most significant service learning opportunities. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Sony Camp at Toowoomba Grammar School, a milestone that reflects far more than the longevity of a successful program. It represents 20 years of friendship, compassion and service that have enriched the lives of campers, families, students, staff and volunteers alike. Introduced to the School in 2007 by former staff member…
A NAPLAN Milestone Ahead of Schedule
The results represented more than a cause for celebration, they provided encouraging evidence that a deliberate focus on literacy and evidence-informed teaching is helping boys grow in confidence as writers and learners. Across every year level and every NAPLAN domain, TGS students performed above the Queensland state average. Most notably, Year 3 and Year 5 students achieved the strongest Writing results in the School's NAPLAN history, while Numeracy continued to be a significant strength…
Conversations That Matter
Yet for today's parents, the task can feel more complex than ever. Technology shapes friendships and family life. Social media presents opportunities and challenges. Young people are growing up in a world that is changing faster than any generation before them. At Toowoomba Grammar School, we believe educating boys is a partnership between school and home. While our role is to educate boys and develop their good character for life, some of the most important conversations about wellbeing,…
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…
