Hi. I'm Hayden, one of the writing tutors at SIGI.

Every student is different. Once you understand their inner world, you can get them to appreciate writing.

For instance, I'm not into Stephen King stories (not into horror). However, like Gordon Ramsay enjoys good food, I do enjoy the literary prowess and styles of F.Scott Fitzgerald and Anthony Doerr.

Your child might gravitate towards action, thrillers, essays or non-fiction. Who knows. We'll find out what they're passionate about and play to their strengths instead of merely focusing on their weaknesses. Ironically, many times I've realised that students can indirectly conquer their weaknesses when they're focused on something else they enjoy. If you're not good at running but like hanging out with your friends, make friends who enjoy running! If your child keeps comma splicing, then get to them fix that up while writing a story they enjoy.

Attack weaknesses using strengths and passions as bait.

I can understand why students might not like to write. I understand what it takes to get your child to love the beautiful process - and sometimes, the struggle - that comes with fleshing out characters or arguments.
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Without passion, I wouldn't be at the stage where I'm seeking editors to read my 100,000-word manuscript of science fiction, action and drama. It has taken years of struggle but what keeps writers going is love of the art.

Thus, I wish not only to help your child get better at expressing themselves with words but to love doing so. It is a cerebral, feeling process and it is wonderful and I truly hope that they can experience it.

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What skills will your child hone in SIGI WRITING programs?

Your child absorb FOUNDATIONAL skills, which hones their:
- spelling
- grammar
- syntax (sentence structure)
- punctuation
- structure (text types)

Students also learn ADVANCED skills that will help your child develop and hone their writing style and voice. I love employing paradox, antithesis and metaphors. Your child might have a penchant for similes and irony. Who knows. We encourage students to experiment and play to their strengths and passions.

ADVANCED writing skills will take your child deeper into:
- plot, character development, setting, and themes (for creative writing)
- clear and powerful topic sentences, elaboration, evidence, examples, links (for persuasive writing).

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What content will your child cover in SIGI WRITING programs?

Predominantly, your child will cover two streams:
- creative writing
- persuasive writing
Within these streams are text types that require varying degrees of creativity and persuasiveness. We will cover narratives, essays (expositions and discussions) and almost every other text type in between.

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What examinations will SIGI WRITING programs target?

Most of our students aspire to excel in:
- the Selective High Schools Test
- scholarship exams by independent high schools
- passion projects that set them for authorship later on