Mr. Wood | 🇨🇦Wells Academy

Andrew Wood

Andrew Wood is a teacher with decades spent in front of students, having taught young people from Kindergarten to Grade 12. He retired from the TDSB in 2019 after many years of teaching a wide range of subjects at all elementary grades. He has not paused his teaching career, however. He maintained a busy schedule of teaching online throughout the Covid pandemic, and has worked most recently as a staff member of the Clearview School of Arts and Culture.

Mr. Wood’s qualifications include an Honours B.A. (University of Ottawa); a Master of Fine Arts (New York University) and a Bachelor of Education (University of Toronto). In addition to these academic degrees he was also a longtime member of Toastmasters International, spending many years in leadership positions and holding the title of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).

Among the many courses he has taught for Wells Academy, both in the classroom and online, are Critical Reading and Creative Writing; French as a Second Language; Public Speaking; “Write Right in English” and “Boost Your Speaking Power” for adult learners.

Mr. Wood believes in actively engaging his students as much as possible, as well as in using a variety of education technologies, with the goal to promote among his students both a love of learning and a commitment to try their best.

January 12-June 15, 2026

Gr.5-6 Advanced Writing

Course Description

This enrichment course helps Grades 5–6 students strengthen their writing skills across a range of forms. Students will learn how to organize and express ideas clearly while experimenting with narrative, informational, poetic, and persuasive writing. Instruction includes short lessons on writing techniques, model text analysis, and guided practice. The course emphasizes both creativity and critical thinking, encouraging students to revise their work and build confidence as writers.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will:

Develop stronger writing stamina and fluency through weekly practice.
Learn to plan, draft, revise, and polish their writing for clarity and effect.
Explore different genres: narrative, informational, poetry, and speech writing.
Strengthen vocabulary, descriptive detail, and persuasive techniques.
Build confidence in their personal writing voice.
Produce a final polished piece demonstrating growth and creativity.

Course Structure

Each 90-minute session is divided into two halves:

Instruction & Model Texts: Analysis of sample writing, guided discussion of techniques.
Writing Workshop: Genre-based writing practice with peer and teacher feedback.

Students will keep a Writing Portfolio with drafts, revisions, and final work.

Gr.7-9 Advanced Writing

Course Description

This enrichment course challenges Grades 7–9 students to develop stronger writing skills for both creative and academic purposes. Students will practice narrative, informational, argumentative, and journalistic writing, learning how to shape ideas with clarity, evidence, and style. Instruction combines short lessons on writing techniques, analysis of model texts, and guided practice. The course emphasizes revision and reflection, preparing students for the more advanced writing demands of high school.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will:

Strengthen their ability to plan, draft, revise, and polish writing across multiple forms.
Write with clarity, coherence, and appropriate use of evidence.
Explore different genres: narrative, informational, argumentative, journalistic writing.
Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing texts and constructing persuasive arguments.
Gain confidence in writing for both creative expression and academic success.
Complete and present a polished final piece that demonstrates growth and versatility.

Course Structure

Each 90-minute session is divided into two halves:

Instruction & Model Texts: Analysis of writing samples and discussion of techniques.
Writing Workshop: Genre-based writing practice with peer and teacher feedback.

Students will keep a Writing Portfolio with drafts, revisions, and a polished final project.