Y06W09PA - Being a Helpful Buddy

This week you wrote a piece for the Year 6 buddy handbook. Now you'll read another student's contribution and decide how strong it is. Every module sharpens how you spot helpful, welcoming writing.

Part 1

The Assessor Scorecard for

Transactional – Handbook contribution

Markers look for handbook writing that gives real, useful advice in a warm tone. Check each strand below to see what strong work looks like.

Ideas & Content

Specific advice tied to real situations — not vague lines like "be nice." Steps a new student could actually follow on day one. Reasons behind each piece of advice, not just a list.

  • Specific, practical advice: grounded in real situations so readers know exactly what to do.

Structure & Cohesion

Advice grouped by stage — meeting, first week, settling in. A clear order readers can follow without backtracking. Each section easy to find at a glance.

  • Clear organisation of ideas: advice grouped logically so readers can find what they need.

Audience & Purpose

A warm tone that speaks straight to new students. Words that sound encouraging, never formal or cold. A clear sense that the writer cares about the reader.

  • Warm, welcoming tone: speaks directly to readers and sounds encouraging and inclusive.

Language Choices

Friendly, clear words a new student can understand. Short, direct sentences using "you" to speak to readers. Positive word choices that lift the reader's mood.

  • Clear, friendly and encouraging language: easy to read and warm in tone from start to finish.

Conventions

Spelling and punctuation that don't trip the reader up. Short sections or bullets that aid readability. Neat layout that makes the handbook feel polished.

  • Accurate spelling and punctuation, clear formatting: conventions are correct and the layout supports easy reading.

Part 2

Today’s Marking Targets

Task in one sentence

Write a handbook piece showing new Year 6 students exactly how to be a genuinely helpful buddy.

Let’s Focus

Two strands matter most this week: Structure & Cohesion and Ideas & Content. How you group the advice decides whether readers can follow it. Whether the advice is real and specific decides if it actually helps.

Structure & Cohesion

Strong writing this week groups advice in a way that makes sense. Ideas might be grouped by time — first day, first week, settling in. Readers should find what they need fast. A clear opening sets the purpose, and a clear closing returns to the main point.

What markers scan for

  • Advice grouped logically by stage or situation.
  • Clear opening that sets up the purpose.
  • Linking words guiding the reader between sections.
  • Closing that returns to the main advice.

Score Bands

  • Basic

    Organisation is unclear and advice feels scattered across the piece.

  • Strong

    Advice is grouped logically and readers can follow each section easily.

  • Excellent

    Structure is clear and helpful, and ideas flow smoothly from start to end.

Ideas & Content

Strong writing this week gives advice readers can actually use. Instead of "be helpful," it shows what helpful looks like — "sit with them at lunch" or "walk them to the library." Each piece of advice is tied to a real moment a new student would face.

What markers scan for

  • Specific actions, not vague lines like "be nice."
  • Advice tied to real situations a new student faces.
  • Steps a reader could follow on day one.
  • Reasons that show why each tip matters.

Score Bands

  • Basic

    Advice is vague and general, with weak links to real situations.

  • Strong

    Advice is specific and practical, grounded in moments a new student would face.

  • Excellent

    Advice is specific and thoughtful, showing real understanding of what new students need.

Now read · Student sample

What It Means to Be a Really Helpful Buddy

Year 6 sample · \~300 words

Student sample for assessment

Written by a Year 6 student in Southbank, Victoria, Australia.

Being a buddy is not just about saying hello once. It means showing someone new around and actually making them feel like they belong here. Here are some practical things that really make a difference. Before They Arrive If you know your buddy is coming, think about what they will need to know. Write them a quick note introducing yourself and welcoming them. Let them know you are looking forward to meeting them. This small gesture shows them someone cares. Their First Days On their first day, arrive early and wait for them. Introduce them to other people in your year group—not just your best friends. Show them where the toilets, library, and classroom are. Walk them to lunch and sit with them. These small actions make them feel less alone. If they seem nervous, let them know that it is normal to feel that way. Settling In Check in with them regularly. Ask how they are going and whether they have found friends. If they seem left out, invite them to join you and your friends. Point out clubs or groups they might like. Help them find their place in the school community. The goal is to make them feel included, not just new. What Not to Do Do not disappear after the first week. Do not make fun of them or let others do so without speaking up. Do not assume they will figure everything out on their own. Do not make them feel like you are doing them a favour—helping someone settle in should feel natural and kind, not like a chore. Remember Being a helpful buddy means seeing things from the new student's perspective. It means being patient, kind, and genuine. New students remember who made them feel welcome. You have the power to change how their year at school begins.