Deputy Principal
Mr Simon Vaughan, Deputy Principal
Thinking Through Writing
At the heart of every great classroom is the ability to think clearly—and that begins with writing. Dr Ian Hunter, a New Zealand-based educator and researcher, has revolutionised how schools approach writing through his innovative platform, Writer’s Toolbox. Used at St Stephen’s, Writer’s Toolbox is transforming student outcomes by strengthening the link between writing and thinking.
Dr Hunter’s research is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: writing is not just a way to communicate—it’s a way to think. When students learn to write with precision, structure, and purpose, they also learn to reason, reflect, and solve problems more effectively. This connection between writing and cognition is at the core of Writer’s Toolbox, which equips students with practical tools to build strong, clear, and creative writing across all subjects.
Writer’s Toolbox doesn’t just teach grammar or spelling—it teaches students how to construct ideas. Through features like the Sentence Analyser, Style Guide, and genre-specific scaffolds, students gain insight into how language works and how to use it to express complex thoughts. Teachers, in turn, benefit from real-time data and feedback, allowing them to target instruction and celebrate growth.
In an educational landscape increasingly focused on critical thinking and creativity, Dr Hunter’s work reminds us that writing is foundational. Whether crafting a science report, a persuasive essay, or a reflective journal, students are engaging in deep thinking. By embedding Writer’s Toolbox into our classrooms, we’re not just improving literacy—we’re empowering learners to think independently and communicate confidently.
As mentioned in the Mr Conwell’s Principal section of this newsletter, we have had some fantastic NAPLAN results, particularly in the area of writing. The college continues to build a culture of excellence in writing and Dr Hunter’s vision offers a clear path forward: teach writing well, and we teach thinking well.
Regards,
Simon Vaughan