School Based Research Projects - Wenona School

Making and Shaping Meaning Through Writing


Wenona’s research focuses on (1) how to improve instructional teaching and learning routines to develop students’ academic writing and (2) how to increase opportunities for students to practice writing within regular lessons focussing on content. Literature tells us that while all students know how to write, they don’t know how to write well and that writing is complex, requiring significant instruction and practice (Australian Education Research Organisation [AERO], 2022). And yet there is no agreement among writing experts about what constitutes an exemplar writing curriculum in Australia. This is concerning, since over the last 10 years NAPLAN data has indicated no improvement in the writing abilities of students in Years 3 and 5, and a moderate decline in the writing abilities of students in Years 7 and 9 (AERO, 2022).

This project aims to assess which teaching routines enhance writing proficiency and confidence for both students and teachers across Stages 3, 4 and 5 (Years 5 to 10) in transdisciplinary (primary) and single disciplinary contexts (History, Geography, Science and Personal Health and Physical Development in secondary). A range of pedagogically effective writing strategies drawing on Australian and international best practice will be developed. This will contribute to the broader educational community’s understanding of how writing can be taught more effectively.  

School Based Research Projects

Each year member schools in NSW are invited to apply for funding and support to conduct a two year School Based Research Project. Successful projects are awarded in areas of education which ultimately impact student outcomes and make substantial contributions to new insights in and beyond individual schools. These Projects aim to build research capacity and cultures of research engagement in practicing teachers and/or school leaders in the independent sector.

For more information visit our School Based Research Application page or contact the team at The Evidence Institute.

The Evidence Institute

Click here for more information generally on the work of The Evidence Institute or contact a member of the team.

AISNSW Staff please login to view