Assessing Writing Against the NZC: Video Workshop + Assessment Tools

About This Resource

This practical video workshop and resource pack has been created to help teachers confidently assess writing against the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC).

It introduces two teacher-friendly tools designed to make the new Writing Strand clearer, more accessible, and easier to use in day-to-day planning and assessment.

Across the video, you’ll be guided through:

• what the revised NZC writing objectives actually mean

• how the three sub-strands (Transcription, Composition, Writing Processes) work

• what skills are most critical at each phase and year level

• how to use assessment information to identify students who may need extra support

• how to avoid common pitfalls that slow writing progress

Whether you’re new to the NZC update or just want clearer tools to support your judgments, this resource provides straightforward guidance you can put into practice immediately.

What’s Included

1. Video Workshop (streaming)

A clear, informal, step-by-step walkthrough covering:

• The new Writing Strand in the NZC

• How the objectives fit together

• Plain-language explanations of each sub-strand

• The purpose and structure of each tool

• How to identify “red flags” in writing

• Examples of using the assessment tools with real student samples

2. Downloadable PDFs

You’ll receive both supporting documents featured in the video:

A Teacher’s Companion to Writing in the NZC

A plain-language rewrite of the Ministry’s Writing Strand content — simplified, decluttered, and organised so you can quickly see what matters at each phase and level.

Highlights:

• clearer wording

• reduced repetition

• critical skills highlighted

• essence of all mandated objectives retained

Informal Assessment of Writing Progress (IAWP)

An easy-to-use assessment tool designed for:

• Summative purposes — supporting reliable OTJs using multiple sources

• Formative purposes — helping identify writing “red flags” early

Skills are aligned to the NZC and grouped into:

• Transcription

• Composition

• Writing Processes

Critical skills are emphasised so teachers can spot foundational gaps before they become barriers to progress.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this workshop you will:

• understand the new NZC Writing Strand in practical terms

• recognise which skills genuinely matter most for progress

• know how to use the IAWP alongside other evidence

• identify early writing difficulties and respond with purpose

• feel more confident planning for the needs of your writers

Who This Resource Is For

Perfect for:

• primary teachers

• literacy leads

• beginning teachers

• SENCOs

• team leaders

• anyone needing a clearer way to interpret and apply the NZC Writing Strand

Why Teachers Love This Resource

• written for busy teachers

• removes jargon and unnecessary repetition

• practical examples and honest commentary

• grounded in real classroom practice

• aligns cleanly with the NZC

• helps improve both teaching and assessment