International Studies

Writing Academy

The Writing Academy at SDHS is based on the belief that the ability to write clearly enhances communication and encourages critical thinking skills. Writing and its prerequisite language skills—listening, reading and speaking—are strongly emphasized in all courses, whether it's a science, language or arts course. This approach not only aids in the development of critical writing skills, but facilitates understanding of the course subject as well. All students are automatically enrolled in the Writing Academy so they benefit from the ability to write and the use of writing in the learning process.

Writer-in-Residence, Tisha Allan, has led the Writing Academy at SDHS for more than 10 years and brings a real-world connection to the program. An accomplished writer, Allan works with both students and teachers in workshops and individual conferences and functions as a bridge to the writing community.

The writing program at SDHS, aside from being integrated throughout the curriculum, also features student programs such as writing workshops, a variety of writing contests, and a Writing Center, where a staff of Writer's Assistants is available to aid students in all areas of the writing process. Several publications are also part of the writing program, including Write Stuff, a monthly student writing newsletter, Bridges, an international student publication in conjunction with our sister schools in Russia, Argentina, and Austria, and Winning Writings, an annual collection of SDHS student writings which have won recognition.

At SDHS, we believe in learning to write. And in writing to learn.

For more information about the Writing Academy, visit the official SDHEC magnet page.

Back to top