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HSC The Craft of Writing
The Craft of Writing Workshop
Ask the right questions as you collaborate or work independently to craft your story. Master techniques for creating deeper imagery, compelling narratives, and authentic dialogue—all while enjoying the writing process.
Master Storytelling Through Crime Scene Investigation
Discover the art of storytelling with our immersive Year 11 and HSC English Craft of Writing workshop, designed to develop deeper imagery, engaging narratives, and authentic dialogue. Through a unique blend of interactive crime scene investigation and creative writing techniques, students will master the craft of intrigue, learning how to ask the right questions as they shape their stories.
Crime Story uses large-scale, digitally printed crime scene backdrops enhanced with real exhibits like shell casings, DNA, fingerprints, safes, and more. Students will work through hundreds of potential pieces of evidence across interconnected crime scenes—from an armed robbery at a diner to a trashed office—all while learning alongside a 'literary detective.'
Workshop Highlights
Real Crime Scenes
Immerse yourself in 6 x 2.25-meter digitally printed backdrops, showcasing both authentic and simulated evidence like shell casings and DNA samples. Explore interconnected crime scenes, following the clues while learning from experienced detectives.
Hands-On Forensics
Get hands-on experience with real forensic tools and techniques, including fingerprinting, evidence collection, and crime scene analysis.
Workshop Structure
Pre-Session Preparation
- Optional: 1-hour live or Zoom training for staff (Professional Development)
- Preparing and distributing materials: facilitator guides, prompt cards, key terms, and an introduction to Crime Story
Session 1: Immersive Workshop (1 or 2 Days)
- Interactive crime scene immersion with forensic tutorials (fingerprinting, DNA)
- Insights into HSC expectations: What are examiners looking for?
- Techniques like procedural narrative, lexical chaining, framing, and characterisation
- Crime scene analysis and the art of intrigue through indirect characterisation
- Crafting motifs, sensory imagery, and authentic dialogue
- Applying writing techniques to HSC prescribed texts and reflection statements
- Includes workbooks, gloves, evidence bags, and clipboards for investigations
(2nd day option includes: mastery, additional techniques and alignment with prescribed texts)
Session 2: Crime Story Live (Post-Session Zoom)
- Reflection Statements or Live Feedback Hot Seat session (3 writing samples assessed live)
- Consolidation of learning and completion of reflection statements
Sample Outcome Targeting with Crime Story for effective writing
Outcomes
EA 12-4 strategically
adapts
and
applies
knowledge,
skills
and understanding of language concepts and literary devices in new and different contexts
Rationale
how writers use language creatively and imaginatively for a range of purposes; to express insights, evoke emotion, describe the wonder of the natural world, shape a perspective or to share an aesthetic vision.
Outcomes
EA 12-5
thinks imaginatively,
creatively,
interpretively, critically and discerningly to respond to, evaluate and
compose texts
that synthesise complex information, ideas and arguments
Rationale
students experiment with various figurative, rhetorical and linguistic devices, for example allusion, imagery, narrative voice, characterisation, and tone. Students consider purpose, audience and context to deliberately shape meaning. During the editing stages students apply the conventions of syntax, spelling, punctuation and grammar appropriately and effectively.
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
Let us collaborate with your school to align with crafted writing, narratives, or any HSC module needs.
What Sets Us Apart
Expert Leadership
Workshops led by experts with 15 years of criminal investigation and 12 years of teaching experience.
HSC Marking Insight
HSC marking experience to provide valuable insights into exam expectations.
Customised Experience
2-3 crime scenes per participant, with content adaptable for 1 or 2-day workshops.
Flexible Curriculum
Content can be customised for Year 11 or Year 12 groups, rotated thematically to prevent repetition.
Tailored Learning Outcomes
Outcomes specifically tailored to match school requirements for writing modules.
Empower curiosity, ignite creativity, and unlock limitless potential through immersive, hands-on learning experiences
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