Stories that changed the world project groups:

The return to school for Term 4 has seen students go straight into six inquiry project groups for ‘Writing Worlds: Stories that changed the world.’ These groups were chosen by the students at the end of last term and are based around six main themes that came about from students’ work and collaboration. They are: Power Dynamics, Bias in the Media, Inventions, Problem Solving, and Power and Manipulation. Toni, John, Aidan, Jared, Richard, and Simon each have a project group to work with.

Owen – It is fascinating how many different themes there are.

Olivia – I have enjoyed learning about the process for writing authentically.

The focus for project groups getting together in the first two weeks has been to decide on preferences for roles within the groups. Each student was asked for their preference, thinking about the eight roles on offer: narrative designers, technical directors, character designers, art directors, project managers, ethics officers, testers, and editors. The students were asked to think about where their strengths lie or to choose a role that is of interest to them, where they can build and develop their skills and knowledge during workshops over the coming weeks.

Kiki – We shared our preferences for which roles we’d like in the project group and I am one of the narrative designers.

Project groups have met with their various teachers where each student has shared their plot summary they created at the end of Term 3. As a group, they have identified the common big ideas that are connected to the themes. Students have voted on which big ideas would be the best fit for their writing world, and final decisions have been made on which ones they will include. Students have now begun to create plot lines that can be used by the narrative designers to create their stories. It is all beginning to come together!