Walk into any secondary school classroom, and you'll likely find students writing. Whether it's solving word problems in maths, drafting lab reports in science, or analysing historical documents, writing is already woven into the fabric of every subject. This reality presents both a challenge and an opportunity. How can we elevate this existing practice to truly enhance learning across the board?

The answer lies in adopting a whole skill approach to writing. This isn't about adding more writing to an already packed curriculum. Instead, it's about recognising and refining the writing that's already happening, turning each assignment into a chance for students to hone their communication skills.

At its core, this approach is about shifting mindsets. Many subject teachers might view writing as a means to an end - a way to assess understanding or complete assignments. But what if we saw each piece of writing as an opportunity to develop a crucial life skill? This shift doesn't require English teachers to take over other subjects, nor does it mean that subject teachers need to become grammar experts. Rather, it's about creating a shared understanding of what good writing looks like across disciplines.

Consider a science lab report. Traditionally, the focus might be solely on recording observations and results. But what if we also emphasised clear explanation, logical organisation, and precise language? Suddenly, that lab report becomes not just a record of an experiment, but a chance to practice communicating complex ideas - a skill that's as valuable in a board room as it is in a laboratory.

This approach naturally leads to more consistency in writing instruction across subjects. When students encounter similar expectations for clarity, structure, and evidence use in history, science, and English classes, they begin to see writing as a universal skill rather than a subject-specific task. This consistency reinforces good habits and helps students transfer their skills from one context to another.

Of course, implementing such an approach isn't without challenges. Time is always at a premium in schools, and teachers may worry that focusing on writing will detract from subject-specific content. However, when writing is treated as a tool for learning rather than an add-on, it can actually deepen understanding of subject matter. Writing about a mathematical concept, for instance, requires students to articulate their understanding in a way that simply solving equations does not.

Collaboration is key to making this work. Regular discussions among teachers from different subjects can yield valuable insights. An English teacher might share strategies for teaching paragraph structure that a geography teacher can apply to essays on climate change. A history teacher's approach to analysing sources could enhance how students write about literature. These cross-pollinations not only improve writing instruction but can also lead to exciting interdisciplinary projects.

Technology plays a crucial role in modern writing, and a whole skill approach should embrace this. Collaborative documents, online portfolios, and digital feedback tools can enhance writing instruction across subjects. These tools not only prepare students for the digital world they'll enter after school but can also make the writing process more dynamic and interactive.

Assessment, too, can be transformed under this approach. Instead of evaluating each piece of writing in isolation, schools might consider creating cross-curricular writing portfolios. These could showcase a student's development over time and across subjects, providing a more holistic view of their progress as writers.

Professional development is crucial in this process. Teachers need support to develop their skills in teaching and assessing writing within their subject areas. This doesn't mean turning every teacher into a writing specialist, but rather equipping them with strategies to effectively incorporate writing instruction into their existing curriculum. When teachers feel confident in their ability to guide students' writing, they're more likely to embrace it as a valuable part of their teaching toolkit.

Ultimately, a whole skill approach to writing isn't about adding more to an already full plate. It's about leveraging the writing that's already happening to create more powerful learning experiences. When we coordinate our efforts across subjects, we send a clear message to students: writing matters, not just in English class, but in every aspect of their education and beyond.