Creative Writing

Creative Writing

This course is suitable for beginners and for those with some writing experience who want to study creative writing for leisure.  Previous learners will be given the opportunity to stretch their writing skills, while people new to creative writing classes will be gently brought up to speed.

"Learners receive timely, constructive verbal and written feedback on their work, which helps them improve and make good progress.” (Ofsted, 2013)

During this course learners will be encouraged to create a portfolio of work which can be developed further outside the class. We’ll also explore different aspects of creative writing, and work towards building a writer’s toolkit, with tips and pointers to help with writing plot, developing characters, and creating settings.

The classes are very relaxed and friendly, and designed to help learners develop their critical skills so sharing work in class for feedback will be a regular feature.

Feedback and group work opportunities during the course will help your confidence and skills develop both individually and as a team. A supportive environment during this course is greatly encouraged to do this.

The classes will mainly focus on prose in the form of short stories. To a certain extent this can be led by the interests of the group, and the tutor will strive to incorporate any specific topics that the group wish to cover into the term plan.

 Learners will:

• learn develop idea into final copy

• develop the skill of critiquing one’s own work and that of others including published writers

• have class exercises and homework set weekly with tutor/class feedback be informed of writing opportunities, competitions and events that may arise

• have an opportunity to develop skills in poetry writing and critiquing

• ALL learners should feel confident about writing short pieces of fiction

• MOST learners should be confident about giving feedback on other people’s work and applying feedback to their own work

• SOME learners should feel confident enough to create pieces of writing for submission to competitions or publishers

The aim is to travel as far along this writing journey as you would like to, whilst working within a supportive group who will encourage and guide you towards achieving your goals.

You will need an A4 pad and writing implements, and there are no other costs associated with the course. On the first evening the scheme of work for the term will be presented and discussed, and any other topics not covered will be added if possible.

Previous learners will be set a challenging task, while new learners will be brought up to speed with a few introductory writing exercises.

Your tutor will regularly review your activities and offer you support and guidance. You will be encouraged to identify small, realistic and achievable goals to work towards throughout the course and will keep a learning diary to monitor your progress and achievement within the group. There is no qualification associated with this course.

Gloucestershire College main sites have cafe facilities, so you might like to enjoy a drink or light snack before the start of your class. Water only is allowed in the classrooms.