The personal statement workshop. Year 12s learn structure (course, evidence, super-curricular, fit), the four classic openers to avoid, and the iteration discipline. By the end of the module they have a 4000-character first draft.
Learning outcomes
- I can structure a personal statement using the 4-paragraph frame
- I can show super-curricular evidence for my course interest
- I can iterate a draft using peer + adviser feedback
Success criteria
- 4000-character first draft saved in Chapter
- Two rounds of peer review completed
1
Structure walkthrough
task · 20 min
The 4-paragraph frame: course, academic evidence, super-curricular, fit. Four-bad-openers list.
2
Live drafting
individual task · 30 min
30-min sustained writing. No phones, no internet. Just write.
Builds: Creativity
3
Peer review round 1
group task · 30 min
Pair-up. Read each other's. Give 3 honest pieces of feedback. Iterate.
Builds: Speaking
📓 Chapter timeline: Save your draft + peer feedback to Chapter for adviser review.
🎮
Chapter Student Game
+100 XP
Action: Save your personal statement first draft to Chapter for review
Save your first draft personal statement to Chapter. You'll iterate at least three times.
Skills: Speaking, Creativity
Plenary discussion
Pair-share for 2 minutes: one thing you'll take from this lesson into next week.
Homework / follow-up
Pair with adviser drop-in slots. Don't accept first drafts as final — iteration is the lesson.