Real World Writing for Teens
Making words work in the workplace…
Before I was a Melbourne copywriter I spent years and years working as a secondary school teacher. As a copywriter and learning designer I often draw on this experience to inform and enrich my current work. Luckily, I’ve had the opportunity to do this again recently with my good friend, former teacher and fellow writer, Emma McMillan — discovering that a new direction is as good as a holiday (almost)!
Together, Em and I have designed a program aimed at helping teenagers master written communication for the workplace. Read on to learn more. If you’re an interested careers practitioner, teacher or school leader, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Real World Writing for Teens
How to effectively navigate workplace communication
Real World Writing for Teens is a fun, practical program designed to teach Year 10, 11 and 12 students how to write effectively for the workplace.
Sessions are age-appropriate and explore how to compose letters of introduction, emails, personal bios and LinkedIn profiles. Students will return to the classroom with take-home resources and confidence to use written communication to their advantage.
Program breakdown
Each session is designed to complement existing Careers and Pastoral programs within schools. Sessions will also support other curriculum areas (e.g. English, Media and Business).
Expect an engaging session with real-world examples and interactive activities that bring concepts to life. As digital experts, we're across the latest technology and social media updates — so you don't have to be.
The program in a nutshell…
45 mins = single topic | 90 mins = both topics
Year 10
Get what you want
Connect with impact
Learning outcome: Students will learn how to structure, write and target an email or letter of introduction to make an impact and encourage action.
Year 11
Unfail your email
Beguiling bios
Learning outcome: Students will learn how to clearly identify their intended audience and purpose to craft compelling workplace emails and their own bio.
Year 12
Find your voice on LinkedIn
It's who you know
Learning outcome: Students will learn how to use LinkedIn to showcase their skills and strengths, expand their network of contacts and curate useful resources.
Sample session outline: Unfail your email (45 mins)
Introductions.
Common types of communication used in the workplace — with a focus on emails and bios. Unpacking the fundamental elements of emails — how to use audience, purpose, language, and tone to communicate effectively.
Interactive activity: Unfail your email | How to recognise and write formal vs informal emails. Q and A — because there’s no such thing as a silly question.
It’s a wrap!
Unfail your email AND Beguiling bios (90 mins)
Introductions.
Common types of communication used in the workplace — with a focus on emails and bios.
Unpacking the fundamental elements of emails — how to use audience, purpose, language, and tone to communicate effectively.
Interactive activity 01: Unfail your email | How to recognise and write formal vs informal emails. Unpacking the fundamental elements of bios — how to use audience, purpose, voice, and tone to write a bio that builds credibility and allows the reader to get to know you.
Interactive activity 02: Beguiling bios | How to write a professional and engaging bio. Q and A — because there’s no such thing as a silly question.
It’s a wrap!
Meet your presenters
As secondary school teachers and professional writers, we understand the pressure educators are under to deliver engaging learning experiences that link to the curriculum and prepare young people to enter the real world.
Emily Brewin is a learning designer, Melbourne copywriter, and the published author of three novels — one of them Young Adult fiction. She is also a former secondary school teacher. Emily has written for The Age, Meanjin, Kill Your Darlings, Archer, Feminartsy, The Victorian Writer, Screen Education and Mamamia. She is currently working on her fourth novel.
Emma McMillan is an in-demand copywriter and copywriting coach who believes everyone can write better. She is a former secondary school teacher (Drama, Dance & English) and head of department. Emma has collaborated with many educational institutions and EdTech providers (copywriting & training) and regularly delivers writing programs for small businesses.
Program cost
Prices from $8 per student (ex GST), minimum numbers apply.
Get in touch
For all enquiries and bookings, please drop me a line via my Contact page.
Copywriting
Need a hand with marketing support, SEO website copywriting, mentoring, proofreading and editing, a new LinkedIn profile, creative copy, and loads more?
Check out my services at Copywriter Melbourne, or Contact me for more information.
Discover my books, Hello, Goodbye and Small Blessings at Allen and Unwin.
