Creative Writing News and Other Writing Opportunities

Writing Workshops with Margot Lee                                                  

This term the English Department were delighted to welcome back Margot Lee (Class of 2019) to help run some creative writing workshops with Ms Sarah Hawkins. For the 20 students from Years 7 – 11 it was a wonderful opportunity explore new texts, practise their writing and workshop their own pieces.

Having participated in several International Creative Writing courses herself, Margot was able to share with students the effect of techniques like free indirect discourse, or the difference between slant and half rhyme in poetry. Amelia Board (Year 11) commented that the workshops taught her about “the importance of creating rich imagery and description.” Jessica Millin (Year 9) said that she “really enjoyed listening to Margot’s advice about perspective and how it can be used in writing.”

A big part of the experience was having the opportunity to share your work and “workshop” it with other young writers. It was so lovely to see students from across a range of Year levels working together and sharing ideas.  Scarlett Cooper (Year 9) said that she “enjoyed how everyone had the chance to read other people’s writing and creative pieces.” The students were given wonderful feedback from their peers and from Margot and Ms Hawkins which we hope encourages them to forge ahead with their Creative efforts.

Other writing opportunities…

I know that recently in the English Department we have spent a lot of time reflecting on the solace of literature in difficult times. It is wonderful to see a range of on-line resources and opportunities being opened up for students around the globe; Audible’s free audio books for children, libraries and institutions like GERRIC (Gifted Education) uploading free resources.

In our English classes we’ve been encouraging students to try to take the opportunity over the next month or so to read widely and from new genres. We know that the library was thrilled to have its record day of borrowing on the day that the school moved to “At home learning!” We’ve also advertised a number of writing competitions which students might be interested in participating in (see below). If you come across other opportunities or resources, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Red Room Poetry Object Competition

Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards

Mosman Council Youth Awards

Ms Jenny Bean
Acting Head of English