Middle School English Writing Workshop

Course Overview

A small-group English writing workshop for Grade 7-8 students. The goal is not to "teach essays" but to develop real writers. Built on Laura Robb's Smart Writing framework (Heinemann) and adapted with high-interest mentor texts and activities, the course systematically covers the three major writing types, Narrative, Argumentative, and Informational, and guides students to complete 7 high-quality pieces. The course centres on a real writing process: students write first drafts independently, Susie gives detailed written feedback on every first draft, and students revise and submit a second draft assessed with a rubric the class develops together. Parents can clearly see both the feedback and the genuine growth in their child's writing. The course includes a paid trial class on July 8 (S$20), followed by 10 main classes. So that the feedback truly reflects each student's own thinking, first drafts are written independently without any AI writing tools (handwritten or typed is fine). The learning community begins from the first trial class, so students who intend to enrol are encouraged to attend the trial and, where possible, not to join after it.

Course Highlights

About the Teacher

Susie

Susie is a public secondary school teacher in British Columbia, Canada, with over 12 years of English teaching experience. She holds a degree from the University of Victoria and a TESOL background, and previously founded and ran an English school on Jeju Island, South Korea, for many years, teaching 200+ students. For years she served as the teacher champion for the Trust for Sustainable Living international essay and debate competition, coaching students to finals, honourable mentions, and even a grand prize. Susie loves teaching and believes every student can grow. Her classroom values high standards, encourages exploration, and supports thinking, helping students become more confident and influential readers and writers.

Teacher Introduction

Learning Objectives

Course Schedule

Course Materials

Built on Laura Robb's Smart Writing series (Heinemann), covering narrative, argumentative, and informational writing

Curated high-interest mentor texts paired with writing activities for each unit

Writer's craft worksheets such as Show, Don't Tell to bring feelings and detail to life

A negotiated assessment rubric developed together, so the standards are clear and transparent