Research School Network: Disciplinary Literacy: a student’s perspective By Eliza Shajan and Dr Niki Kaiser

When we write in Science, the act of writing itself is the same as in any other subject. We join letters together to make words, and these form sentences. But literacy in general, and therefore reading and writing, demand different skills, knowledge and approaches, depending on the subject area they are in.

Science has specialised language, complex text structures, and distinct modes of reasoning (see for example Why should I think about literacy? I’m a Science teacher!). It is also underpinned by a large body of knowledge, as exemplified in the EEF’s Disciplinary Literacy Tree.

That’s not to say that Science is the only discipline that demands distinct vocabulary, knowledge and reasoning. It’s simply saying that, as for all subject disciplines, the literacy demands in Science are distinct and specialised, and should be supported as such. 

So have you ever wondered how all this feels from a student’s perspective? Here, we interview Eliza, a year 12 student, who wrote a scientific article for our school magazine. She considers both the discipline of Science and the audience she is aiming it at, and she balances the requirement to be scientific and accurate with the need to be appealing and accessible for a wide audience. Her article follows the interview.

Tell me about yourself. Why did you choose this topic to write about?

My name is Eliza and I’m an A Level student. I have always been really interested in biology, particularly oncology. I chose to write about leukaemia specifically as it is the most common cancer in children, and I believe it is important for students to understand its impact and the importance of early detection, as it has the potential to save lives. 

My main aim with the article was to raise awareness, and to help remove the stigma surrounding leukaemia. I’ve noticed that the word ​“leukaemia” sparks a lot of fear despite the amount of progress that has been made in treatment and care.

Was there any language or vocabulary you had to research further?

Before writing this article, I had little understanding of the medical and technical vocabulary related to the topic. All I knew was that leukaemia is a blood cancer common in children! As a result, I had to research everything, which I really enjoyed as it helped me understand both clinical aspects as well as the social perception of the disease.

Did you choose to change any of the language because of the audience your article was aimed at?

Yes, since leukaemia involves complex medical terminology, I made sure that any technical terms discussed were explained in a simpler form to ensure clarity and understanding. I also considered the emotional impact of the topic, choosing to focus on hope and progress in treatment as well as the science of leukaemia to prevent overwhelm.

How is this different to an essay you might write in biology?

Initially I had wanted to write about leukaemia purely from a biological perspective, but I realised that for a school magazine focused on uplifting content, I’d have to alter the wording and the main message to be more appropriate. Therefore, I chose to emphasise hope and progress rather than simply stating challenges of leukaemia, framing the topic in a hopeful and supportive way, highlighting advancements in treatment, rising survival rates and the strength of those affected. 

Do you think you wrote it in a particular way because it was a scientific article rather than any other discipline?

Yes, as it was a scientific article I prioritised explaining medical concepts in a clear and accessible way, ensuring my language remained objective and factual based rather than overly subjective or emotional. I focused on clarity and precision, avoiding personal narratives and opinions which contrasts with writing styles in other disciplines. However, due to the fear surrounding leukaemia, I wanted my approach to go beyond just medical explanations. My goal was to balance medical clarity with a sense of reassurance and hope creating a narrative that improves understanding, encourages resilience, and helps to empower readers of all ages to engage with the topic meaningfully.

Leukaemia, a form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, deeply impacts individuals and families alike, but contrary to misconceptions, it is not a diagnosis defined by despair, rather by the resilience and determination of those who face it, shaped by scientific advancement, compassion and collective action. Through early detection, medical advancements, and collective awareness, treatment has significantly improved, giving many patients a strong fighting chance. Our collective empathy, determination and action are essential in breaking down stigma, uplifting those in need of support, and funding groundbreaking research that will one day eradicate leukaemia.

Symptoms and their causes

Leukaemia originates in the bone marrow, the primary site of blood cell production, where it disrupts normal blood cell production. This malignancy is characterised by the uncontrolled growth of faulty white blood cells, which fail to function as part of the immune system. As these leukemic cells accumulate, they overwhelm healthy cells, leading to severe deficiencies in red blood cells, functional white blood cells, and platelets. Though symptoms vary by type, it often presents with symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, persistent fever, unexplained bruising and weight loss.

What causes fatigue?

The depletion of red blood cells results in anaemia, presenting itself as persistent fatigue due to reduced oxygen transport.

What causes frequent infections?

A reduction in functional white blood cells weakens immune defence, heightening susceptibility to infections as abnormal white blood cells fail to protect the body.

What causes unexplained bruising and bleeding?

The resultant low platelet count impairs the blood’s ability to clot, causing excessive bruising, prolonged bleeding, and increased risk of haemorrhage.

What causes persistent fever?

Fever is a consequence of widespread immune activation throughout the body and immune imbalance triggered by the malignancy itself.

What causes weight loss?

Weight loss can appear as a symptom of leukaemia as the body is constantly fighting abnormal blood cells, which leads to an increased energy demand leading to unintentional weight loss. It could also be attributed to a weakened immune system which makes individuals prone to infections, as fighting them can further drain energy and cause weight loss.

This reiterates the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, as early treatment can help mitigate these effects.

Eradicating misconceptions

To some, the word ​“leukaemia” evokes fear, not just of its impact, but also due to the perceived inevitability of its outcomes. Such misconceptions must be challenged. Scientists and researchers have transformed it into a condition that is increasingly treatable through chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, and the revolutionary promise of gene therapy. As survival rates continue to improve, it is essential that we challenge the stigma through increased awareness and more open conversation shifting the narrative towards aspects such as hope, medical progress and the resilience of those fighting leukaemia.

Importantly, leukaemia does not adhere to stereotypes or boundaries. It can impact individuals of any age, background or circumstance. Acknowledging this reality ensures that those impacted feel supported rather than isolated.

Importance of awareness

Leukaemia affects everyone, indirectly or otherwise. Awareness is crucial as early detection has the potential to save lives. The sooner the disease is identified, the better the chances of successful treatment. Raising awareness can help individuals recognise symptoms early, seek medical attention promptly, and advocate for improved healthcare access. Awareness must go beyond passive acknowledgment, it demands active participation from individuals, communities, and institutions. Each one of us has the power to contribute, ultimately shaping the trajectory of this cause.Through organisation of fundraisers, participation in awareness campaigns and donation to leukaemia charities, we can drive meaningful change. No effort is insignificant as it contributes to a collective, universal movement towards greater understanding, improved treatment and ultimately a cure.

Advancements in leukaemia research

The future of leukaemia research is rapidly evolving. Advances in immunotherapy, the development of precision medicine, and the potential of genome editing stand as testaments of hope and symbolise our relentless pursuit of solutions.

What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy utilises the immune system to fight cancer as it makes it more active. It works by aiding the immune system in recognition and attacking of cancer cells. Immunotherapy may be administered on its own or with other cancer treatments.

What is precision medicine?

Precision medicine considers individual genetic variability to personalise treatment, taking into account genomic, environmental and lifestyle information to tailor treatment and create the best possible outcome.

What is genome editing?

Genome editing allows scientists to make changes to DNA. In this case, genome editing can be utilised to modify tumour causing genes.

Each scientific breakthrough not only saves lives but acts as a driving force, offering tangible hope to those affected. And hope itself is an extraordinary force. It inspires action, fosters resilience, and provides hope during even the most difficult circumstances.

Inspiring stories

Leukaemia Care shares inspiring stories of individuals whose lives have been touched by leukaemia, and one that stands out is Mark Corbett’s journey to Everest Base Camp. His story stands as a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication. Over 14 days, he endured freezing temperatures and the relentless effects of altitude sickness, climbing nearly 18,000 feet to raise funds for Leukaemia Care. While his achievement is remarkable, its true significance lies in the sincerity behind it rather than its magnitude. Raising awareness, fundraising, donating, or simply offering support to those affected by leukaemia are equally valuable contributions and collectively play a significant role in aiding those in need. True change is cultivated not by the magnitude of an action but by the sincerity with which it is undertaken.

Similarly, four year old Harry’s first haircut was not merely a significant milestone but also an act of kindness, demonstrating an impressive depth of compassion and understanding. His donation provided wigs for children experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatment, and the funds he raised supported vital leukaemia care initiatives. Despite his incredibly young age, Harry’s selflessness outweighed his personal discomfort, a powerful reminder that even the smallest hands can make a meaningful difference. His story encourages us all to embrace kindness and compassion, proving that anyone, regardless of age, can contribute meaningfully to the lives of those in need.