Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Supporting your child with written assignments during Term 2

As we begin a new term, many students will be submitting assignment based assessments. The following are some thoughts to consider in order for students to do their best. 

Written assignments are an important part of your child’s learning journey in secondary school. They help develop skills in thinking, communication, research, and organisation. At our College, students are taught a step-by-step approach to tackle these tasks confidently — and you can support this process at home too.

Step 1: Understand the Task

Before writing, students should:

• Read the task sheet carefully
• Know what type of writing is required (e.g. essay, report)
• Be aware of the word count and due date
• Understand any special instructions or source requirements

At home: Ask your child to explain the task in their own words. Encourage them to clarify anything they’re unsure of with their teacher or LOL early on.

Step 2: Plan and Prepare

Students are guided to:

• Brainstorm what they know
• Research using class notes, textbooks, and reliable websites
• Create a simple plan or outline

At home: Help them talk through their ideas and stay organised. Even a short discussion can help them feel more confident about starting.

Step 3: Write the First Draft

This is about getting ideas onto the page: 

• Follow the plan (intro, body, conclusion)
• Write in full sentences and clear paragraphs
• Focus on getting ideas down first, editing comes later

At home: Remind them the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. Encourage them to just keep writing and trust the process. 

Step 4: Use Resources and Reference Properly

Students are learning to:

• Support their points with facts and examples
• Use sources appropriately
• Avoid copying and always cite where ideas come from

At home: Talk about where they’re getting their information. Encourage them to use their own words and keep track of sources.

Step 5: Edit and Final Check

Before submitting, students should:

• Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Make sure their ideas are clear and well-structured
• Confirm they’ve followed the task requirements

At home: Offer to listen as they read their work aloud. A fresh set of eyes can help spot mistakes they might miss. Parents do not need to know the syllabus but rather the literacy skill of communicating ideas effectively.

Finally, supporting your child with time management, planning, and encouragement helps build strong habits for future success. If you have any questions about their progress or assignments, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with specific teachers or the relevant LOL. 

At SJPC both staff and parents can help students develop their academic skills and become confident, independent learners…through written assignments.