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Crime Story - Writing Unleashed
Crime Story - Writing Unleashed: Years 7-11 Workshops
In the Crime Story - Writing Unleashed: Years 7-11 Workshops, students will dive into authentic crime scenes that encourage them to adopt a detective's mindset. Participants will develop skills in asking insightful questions, working collaboratively, and creating captivating narratives. These workshops are perfect for Crime Fiction and Power of Podcasting.
Transform Learning Through Engaging Storytelling Techniques and Immersive Experiences
Immerse your students in an engaging learning experience where they will learn to ask the right questions, work collaboratively or independently, and craft compelling narratives. Through our innovative techniques in deep imagery, engaging storytelling, and authentic dialogue, students will master the art of intrigue and storytelling.
Crime Story transforms narrative creation both in the classroom and beyond. Imagine students developing video games, comics, films, documentaries, or essays. Our workshops showcase how narratives shape various media, inspiring students to explore diverse storytelling forms.
Workshop Highlights
Crime Scenes
Two large digitally printed backdrops (6 x 2.25 metres each) set up with both real and simulated evidence.
Evidence
Students will examine items such as shell casings and DNA samples, learning to discern what constitutes evidence.
Forensic Tools
Authentic equipment used by law enforcement worldwide.
Workshop Structure
Pre-Session
- Setting up the day prior to workshop.
- Optional 1-hour Professional Development session on Experiential Learning.
- Equipping staff with facilitator material and prompt cards for the student experience.
- Pre-engagement material provided in the lead-up to event.
Session 1
Introduction to Crime Story: Control of writing, realistic expectations in writing, narrative frames, experiential sensory imagery, time compression, and authentic dialogue.
Procedural Narrative: Mastery of narrative techniques, including effective use of nouns, adjectives, and storytelling techniques.
Crime Scene Analysis: In-depth analysis of two crime scenes, applying narrative techniques to prescribed texts.
Medium/Text Adjustments: Adapting narratives for various media, including film, gaming, and documentaries.
Session 2
Structure:
Overview and forensic tutorial (fingerprinting, DNA).
New Leads Zoom Session: A one-hour extension introducing new techniques and applying the crime scene metaphor to your teaching context.
Exam/Assessment Preparation
- Strategies to help students prepare for exams and assessments.
- Thematic changes
- Periodic updates to crime scenes and thematic elements.
Customised for Your Needs
Our workshops are tailored to fit your class size, cohort size, and specific school requirements. We align with curriculum outcomes and the NESA Rationale, focusing on:
Imaginative and Critical Thinking
Encouraging students to compose and respond with creativity and conviction.
Active and Independent Learning
Fostering lifelong learning and collaborative work.
Cultural Understanding
Broadening students perspectives on human experiences and social factors.
Moral and Ethical Values
Helping students develop a personal value system and articulate their ideals.
Outcomes and Rationale
Effective Text Response
Students will utilise diverse processes, skills, and strategies for responding to and composing texts across various media (EN4-2A).
Confident Communication
Development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative language use (EN4-5C).
What They Say
“The Crime Story workshops, using practical activities, helped me gain confidence and understanding in structuring my Mod C response for the HSC. Additionally, it provided clear pathways for how to enhance my creative writing through the exploration of authentic dialogue and dynamic imagery. Thank you so much for your dedication in your students Luke!”
Claire M.
“The immersive and fun nature of the Crime Story workshop I attended allowed for a better, more engaging way of learning integral yet transferable skills that will aid in my studies at university. Through the critical appraisal of literary techniques, such as lexical chaining, the Crime Story workshop positively aided my performance in the HSC, as my individual skills were supported and guided to produce increasingly advanced literary pieces. As the workshop was exceedingly interactive, it presented a more comfortable and successful teaching experience beyond school classrooms. With heightened value on each student, Crime Story workshops build confidence in literary abilities, pushing boundaries of individuals’ achievements.”
Sophie O.
“Explosive fusion of passion and resilience to encourage and empower so many, both today and ahead. A must see to gain insight into soft and transferable skills, how to best communicate your story… and the fun process of having a go- being in life!”
Lati
"You are both incredible at what you do! I don't think I have seen a more engaging incursion-
excursion before that had all the students, and us, hooked from start to finish”
Freeman College
“Our HSC Craft of Writing results were the best ever for Scots All Saints. Crime Story really gets
the creative juices flowing for students who may not traditionally be confident with imaginative writing”
Leigh Morrisey HOD Scots All Saints 2023
“Hands down the best experience I’ve been involved with in 30 years of teaching”
Sarah, Domremy College
“Your staff were able to assist and guide their ‘thinking’, allowing for contextual understanding and creativity. If they could not quite verbalise what they wanted, the visuals were the back-up.
I liked the use of phones for taking evidence photos for future reference. Those students that have an addiction to their phone declared they could then use it any time of the day – no, this is not how the process works was my reminder!
Loved the time schedules. It prompted me to forge ahead with this again in my classes as it had gone by the wayside a bit. So important for students (and ours!) time management as there are quite a few that benefit from this on-task directive. I appreciate the reminders and prompts of effective class management.”
“What was phenomenal is the morphing of real-life experiences with creativity. This inspires me and has the potential to create endless scenarios, simply from lived experiences appropriate for whichever student dynamics you are working with.
Language use was excellent, as were the handouts. This is something I am continuously embedding in my lessons to stay proactive with terminology and language for both myself and the kids. Do they respond positively? Well something has to be a work in progress.
I’m excited to follow your journey and look forward to seeing you both again. I am in the process of embedding their post ‘Crime Story’ creative writing task (Yr10) into class time once we have completed our movie (Freedom Writers) this week.”
Cassie M., Teacher, Kempsey Adventist School
Join us in revolutionising the way your students learn through the captivating lens of Crime Story!
Why Choose Crime Story?
This Is About You
Learning is centred around inquiry, deeper questions, and problem-solving. Every subject invites questioning, offering multiple answers and unique perspectives. My aim is to teach in a way that encourages everyone to embrace their individuality and achieve their fullest potential, regardless of their perceived abilities.
Bringing Learning Opportunities to Everyone
We believe that everyone can succeed and deserves access to our programs. Based regionally, we prioritise equitable access for rural, coastal, and urban areas. Our mobile and flexible approach addresses the lack of learning opportunities outside major cities. We provide detailed feedback to schools and individuals, collaborating with your strengths and teaching methods to help you reach your goals.
Transferable Skills
How can you apply the skills you’ve learned in other areas? This focus on transferable skills is what makes Crime Story unique. We equip you with the tools to investigate life-sized crime scenes, pose your own questions, and utilise real forensic techniques like fingerprinting and DNA swabbing. Whether you’re building narratives or honing research and evaluation skills for writing, the possibilities are endless.
Empower curiosity, ignite creativity, and unlock limitless potential through immersive, hands-on learning experiences
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