Aspiring Authors at BSB Shunyi

At BSB Shunyi, we believe that every child has a story to tell — and the ability to share it with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Our approach to writing nurtures not just strong technical skills, but a love of language and expression that lasts a lifetime.

Our Approach: Talk for Writing — Adapted for Our Learners

We follow the key principles of the Talk for Writing programme from the UK, thoughtfully adapted to meet the diverse needs of our international learners. This approach builds writing confidence by giving children time to hear, speak, explore, and play with language before putting pen to paper.

Students learn to internalise story patterns and language structures through speaking, drama, and collaborative activities — because we know that children need to say it before they can write it.

Balanced and Purposeful Writing

Our students experience a balance of fiction and non-fiction, developing their voice as authors across a wide range of purposes:
• To entertain through imaginative storytelling
• To inform with clarity and precision
• To persuade with confidence and impact

As they grow, students gain an increasingly sophisticated awareness of genre conventions, authorial voice, purpose, and audience.

Building Vocabulary and Expression

Every lesson is designed to develop children’s vocabulary and command of language. Through discussion, shared reading, and modelled writing, students learn to select words and sentence structures that convey nuance, emotion, and intent — turning writing into a true reflection of thought and creativity.

Reflecting, Refining, and Celebrating Progress

Writing is a journey. Our students engage in continuous reflection — through peer feedback, teacher guidance, and self-evaluation — to refine their skills and celebrate their progress.

The Aspiring Authors Wall showcases this journey: examples of writing that demonstrate growth, creativity, and achievement across all year groups. It’s a celebration of every child’s voice, effort, and evolving mastery of language.

BSB Primary Teachers