Can my child join?

The workshops are open to children between the ages of 8 - 15 years old. Some of the students are very committed and enthusiastic writers who are keen to continue projects at home. Others may lack confidence and need motivating to develop their ideas. It's not unheard of for a pupil to join with the latter attitude and switch to the former!   

How do the workshops help children's language develop?

The small group atmosphere and emphasis on fun and creativity offers unmissable opportunities for learning. We create lots of different types of writing: throwaway poems, structured stories and plays, articles for local magazines, fun writing and drama games. We always have an ongoing writing project but this is nothing like school! 

How many in a session?

The maximum number is twelve but the workshops generally run with around 8 - 10 students in a group. This enables staff to give individual attention and provides a setting in which children can develop their speaking, listening and social skills.

The dynamics in the group are all important so we do try to achieve a balanced mix of personalities, age and ability. The children often spark off each others' ideas! Noisier charaters learn to listen and quiter characters have the chance to speak up. Mixing age-groups across several years helps aid co-operation.

When do the workshops take place?

The workshops take place in term-time only. There are 3 sessions:

1) Saturday morning, 9.30 - 10.45, Hassocks. Yrs 6,7,8,

2) Saturday morning, 11.00 - 12.15, Hassocks Yrs 4,5,6,

3) Monday evening, 5.30 - 6.45, Burgess Hill    Yrs  4,5,6,

Do you run sessions in the holidays?

No plans for holiday workshops this summer. I do occasionally run workshops for local museums in the school holidays and will keep you informed about this.

Best to check...

Deirdre has been CRB (police) checked and holds up to date Public Liability Insurance.

How much do the sessions cost?

Price is currently £6.50 per session, payable termly in advance. (Cheque for 2nd half-term may be post-dated). This offers incredibly good value but I want the classes to be acccessible to as many children as possible.

Will my child need anything special?

The children use an A4 notebook, A5 spybook for taking out and about, an A4 ringbinder to collect finished work in and a commonplace folder to store ideas in. These are all available from supermarkets for about £5 but anything similar will be fine. It does help if they bring the same notebook every week as we often use our notes or continue projects. It's also good practice for their personsl organisation skills for secondary school.

A pen is handy too!

What about homework?

It's fantastic when children want to develop or finish a project at home. I do encourage this sometimes but with three children of my own, I'm aware of both the demands their schoolwork can make upon them and just how busy family life can be! I want their creative writing to be a positive experience.   

I don't know anybody else who goes...

Don't worry. This is true for lots of the children who are drawn  from a range of Sussex schools. Meeting different people can actually make the workshops more fun and you'll soon make new friends.

I want my child to join. What should I do next?

Call Deirdre on 01273 844404. It's best for us to have a chat to ascertain which session may be most suitable for your child. Your child may have to go on a waiting list until a suitable space arises but I will try to accomodate you as soon as possible.