The drafts for the applications were due on Tuesday this week, but unfortunately only three people had completed their application and were able to hand up a draft. Mr Scobie was disappointed by this, and emphasized the importance of handing in a draft/drafts. We gave Mr Scobie the URL of this site as our draft, even though it is obviously not completed, as we still have to write about the class’ applications and the oral presentations.

Yesterday, Mr Scobie went through the criteria for the oral presentation, and handed out a sheet outlining what people needed to talk about during their four to six minute presentation. He then talked about the application drafts he had already received, saying that he wasn’t entirely happy with them and that they didn’t follow all the conventions of writing for publication, which were outlined by Robyn. He read parts of these drafts to the class to outline what was wrong with them, and in some cases how they could be improved. The rest of the lesson was spent working on the oral presentations.

Today Mr. Scobie has organized two guest speakers to talk to the class about writing for publication. Blackwood is free and is released monthly. Believes newspaper helps maintain community relationships and feeling. Also helps businesses to to get their message out through advertising.

Blackwood Times available on net.

Robyn Douglass explained to us how to write articles. She said you must interview thoroughly and make people trust you so they will give you as much information as possible. You also have to use quotes well in order to give as much evidence as possible to support your point/angle. It is also necessary that you read over your work very thoroughly, as there are some errors that cannot be picked up by spell checkers.

Here are some tips that Robyn gave us during her talk:

When you refer to someone use their full name in first reference, then abbreviated in further references to either a title and last name, or a first name. She advised us not to refer to people by just their last name, as this implies that they are a convicted criminal!

When writing dates, they should be written up in full, and they must be written in the same format throughout the article.

You should write your article for a target reading age of 12 to 14 years of age, so that it is readable by a wide audience.

The most important and relevant information should be located in the first paragraph, and each paragraph after that should contain the finer and less important details. Each paragraph should be short; usually less than 25 words per paragraph. The first paragraph should also set the theme of the article.

Robyn also advised that we shouldn't be afraid to cut information/paragraphs from our work in order to help the article to flow; readers won't miss what they don't read. It's also important that an article isn't too long, or the reader will lose interest.

News reporting is about facts. The writer's opinion doesn't matter. Don't write "I think" or "In my opinion".

http://blackwoodtimes.com.au

Today Mr. Scobie is going around the room helping people out with their applications. There are a lot of people who have decided what they want to do, but don't know exactly how to go about writing/creating their application. Most people have had three interviews with their story teller by now, and are now beginning to compile their notes and research together in order to create an application that will meet the criteria.

Latoya has been interviewing Sallie Sandiford. She has been talking to Latoya about leadlighting in a church in Coromandel Valley, and the history of the cottage and land on which she lived on. Latoya will be making a website using the information that she has compiled from Sallie.

Richard will also be creating a website. Frank Esvelt has been telling Richard about lots of engineering tools, such as slide rules and balances. He also has some radio valves.

Ev has been interviewing Bevan McFarlane. During their interviews, they have ben discussing Bevan's childhood, and growing up in country Claire. For her application, she will be writing an Investigation about the differences between Claire and Belair.

Jade has been interviewing Eve Holmes about the changes in schooling and education. She will also be writing an investigation about the similarities and differences between Eve's education and her own.

Jarrad has been interviewing John Whitbread. John has been talking about his experiences in the police force in South Australia. He will be writing a newspaper article for his application.

Michelle interviewed Fran West about her achievements in aviation, including her solo flight around Australia. She intends to write a biography in the form of writing for publication

Jos has interviewed Dorothy Pargeter about her involvement with St. John’s Grammar as principal over twenty three years, as well as her achievements, etc. She intends to write a short book, which will cover the criteria for writing for publication.

Sam interviewed Kevin Moore, and intends to make a film about the change in the Coromandel Valley area over time.

James interviewed Bob Winn about his family history, and how it played a big role in the establishment of Coromandel Valley. He will write this in the form of an investigation.

Chelsea has interviewed Clyde Payton about his 4 wheel driving in outback Australia. She intends to write an article, covering the writing for publication criteria.

Georgie interviewed Kurt Schmid about immigrating to Australia in 1952, and getting work, etc. She will be writing an investigation.

Mr Scobie is talking about the criteria for the storyteller application assignments, as most students have completed their research and gathered enough information. He has explained briefly each possible application choice, and also the criteria used when marking the assignments. He is trying to make sure everybody knows what is required from their application before they start writing their final product.

The criteria are as follows:

Mr Scobie is also talking about the required oral presentation. This presentation will be 4-6 minutes long, and the students will have to explain how and why their application is what it is and why.

Mr Scobie has also organized some interviews with a couple of students to discuss ideas for their application. Some students are having trouble deciding what type of application they should choose.