Creative Writing - Beginners & Improvers

Course intent

This inspiring course will build your creative writing skills and promote your confidence in your writing whether it is short stories, novels or other creative writing forms. You will be encouraged to explore your creativity and allow your imagination to run loose.

What will we cover?

• The best way to learn to write creatively is to write a wide range of pieces and explore what you enjoy. This is a practical course, and you will write regularly.

• Each term will offer inspiration and guidance with lessons covering a range of topics, which might be how to develop realistic characters, ways of constructing an engaging plot, how to generate story ideas, the power of detail and the use of effective editing
• Each week you will be set homework to write a few hundred words from a prompt. You will read your work to the class and learn to give and receive feedback in a constructive and supportive environment. Sharing your work and hearing that of others will develop your ability to objectively assess your own work; a vital skill for a writer.
• Whether you are just starting to write or want to boost your understanding of techniques, this course aims to hone your skills and give you tools and ideas to stimulate you to write
• Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values

Learners will be inspired by the contemporary and historical context and will need to keep a sketchbook / notebook to record ideas, processes and progress, and the feedback they receive from the tutor.

There will be demonstrations, instruction, one-to-one tutorial guidance, group discussions and critiques.

To ensure that learners make good progress with their personal learning goals, the tutor will work with the learner to complete the required Individual Learning Plan.

For courses of more than one session, you will find you make the most progress if you attend every taught lesson and complete any self-directed study opportunities provided

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

These classes are suitable for everyone at all stages of their writing journey, whether you are wanting to write for the first time, are working on a long-term project, or want to start something new or are looking to develop your writing skills and editorial practice.

To take this course you need to be working at Level 2. This means minimum GCSE Grade 4 (previously C) or Functional Skills Level 2. If you have any concerns about your level of English, please contact the tutor on adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk

As our courses are taught in English, please contact us if you have any concerns about your level of English.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

Please bring a notebook and pen/pencil to each class.

There is no need for further equipment although access to a computer and the internet for writing and sending homework is useful but not essential.

There are no extra costs on this course.

What can I do when I finish the course?

In discussion with your tutor, you may like to progress onto further Surrey Adult Learning Creative Writing courses or focused Saturday workshops. You may want to submit your work for competitions or publication and your tutor can support you with this if you ask them for advice. Your tutor can advise you about progression with external providers.

Additional information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class. Surrey Adult Learning values and supports equality and diversity by promoting fairness and respect at all times.

How to enrol

You can't currently enrol online for this course, so please call 0300 200 1044 to express your interest or to make an enquiry for further information.

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