Word is The Writers’ Block works
Over 80 children from local primary, secondary and home-education groups have been the first to explore the inspiring world of The Writers’ Block.
The first cohort taking part in the five-week writing course has included pupils from Brannel, Grade Ruan, Penponds, St Martin’s-in-Meneage and Troon. It’s been wonderful to watch these young writers find their feet and valuable, at this early stage, to have a mixture of children. We have a group that’s been very focused on boys writing and we’re working with Keskowethyans MAT, who have brought several children from a number of schools.
The Writer’s Block is essentially an inspirational writing space made up of different rooms, installations and immersive experiences created from all arts disciplines, including music and sound. All of the artworks, sculptures and sound installations have been designed specifically to inspire writing and cultivate writing confidence.
Professional writers and educationalists Becca Gregson, Rob Lane, Joe Lewis, Annamaria Murphy and Wyl Menmuir have been leading our first series of courses, gently coaxing and encouraging participants to see themselves as young writers from the outset.
“From the moment they set foot in the building they were called writers, that is how they are regarded, that is how they are spoken to and that is how they now see themselves” comments Ellie Watkins from St Martin’s-in-Meneage.
As part of our on going talent development programme, funded by ACE, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Ernest Cook and Garfield Weston, KEAP have recruited performers, creative directors and emerging workshop leaders to join The Writer’s Block team as trainees. Observing and teaching alongside the course leaders is providing valuable training opportunities and professional development to a number of our Story Republicans, emerging Cornish writers, workshop leaders and creatives
Feedback from the first writing course has been extremely positive with teachers and support staff commenting that the CPD has been the best training they’ve had since leaving college or graduating as teachers. For some, the children’s development and growth in writing confidence has been powerfully overwhelming.
Have a listen…
Places are still available for next term and we can offer half or whole day workshops and immersion sessions if that better suits your school or group. If you would like to find out more about the course, workshops and other sessions we offer contact:
Amanda Harris 07712 331421 (Monday to Thursday)
Helen Reynolds 07771 981094 (Mon, Weds, Fri)