When I thought about what to write this week I wasn't sure what I could say that would be new and interesting.

The word of the week competition is still going well and creating enthusiasm for language. Last week was cognizant, which was perhaps a little too challenging as I had a number of guesses for words which were similar but not quite right. I appreciated the attempt and still put them in the draw for the weekly prize but it got me thinking that if you haven't heard a word, haven't seen it written down and really don't know what it means it is very difficult to acquire new vocabulary without effort. This week I thought I would make it a little simple and chose subtle. This also proved challenging as it was, ironically, too subtle to stand out as the word of the week! 

When thinking about what to include for What we're reading I have just finished Always Italicise: How to Write While Colonised by Alice Te Punga Somerville which is a book of poetry. I have just finished teaching poetry to my Year 9s and the poetry in this book doesn't follow set forms or structures, and is really a series of musings on various topics in the same vein. Sitting and reading a book of poetry in one go is not my normal method of enjoying poetry but I am impressed with myself for doing so this morning! In writing poetry like this, the author gets to sit and think and communicate thoughts and feelings in a way that suits them in that moment, and they get to decide on form and style. What artistic freedom for a creative! As I wish my students could do this I reflect that they first must learn controlled form and structure to practise in safe, learned ways and build vocabulary to express their ideas, walk before they can run so to speak. However to be able to communicate ideas they have to have the words to do that, and so I am still encouraged that the word of the week and my weekly tips to staff to encourage good literacy practise is making a difference! And so we must all read more! I do encourage students to get along to the library and issue a book before the holidays to spend some screen-free time in the holidays immersing themselves in some lovely language! 

Ms Beaumont
HOD English