Description

This term, our topic is Fantasy Writing!

Using prompts, examples, and live writing and feedback, these fun and interactive Tutorials develop Upper KS3 English writing skills and give learners the confidence to unleash their inner creativity!

A few words about Creative Writing…

Creative writing lessons are often referred to as ‘workshops’, but I suspect we rarely pause to wonder why.

Well, picture a workshop. What tools do you see hanging on the board behind the workbench? A hammer, I bet. Maybe spanners and screwdrivers too. Possibly a few loose nails here and there, some scrappy off-cuts of wood lying on the bench, and maybe something (yet to be completed) held tightly in the vice while the glue dries. There are more tools lurking in drawers and finished projects perching upon shelves. There is a sense of calm here. A sense of possibility and opportunity. Of objects as yet unmade, but soon to be crafted into existence.

But what of the writer’s workshop? If we could make the tools of good writing real objects, what would a creative writing workshop look like? What tools would be hanging behind that workbench? A simile, some plot… maybe bits of alliteration left scattered across the bench? These are the tools and materials of the creative writer (amongst others, which are carefully stored away ready for use at a moment’s notice), and with these we can craft incredible writing. In this workshop, too, there is a sense of possibility. Of opportunity. Of things as yet unmade…

In these lessons, we will focus on acquiring new tools, sharpening old ones and developing the skills to use them effectively. We will focus our writing on certain themes, but students will be encouraged to follow their interests and write whatever is most engaging to them at the time – sometimes fiction has a life of its own…

An expert tutor will be on hand to guide and give feedback in real-time, so students can be sure they will be supported and encouraged – creative writing, after all, can be a scary thing to do!

Our live tutorials are a great way to learn:

• Small groups (capped at 10 students) meaning a lovely atmosphere and great rapport
• Student cameras and microphones are enabled so students can engage directly with the tutor and each other (encouraged but optional)
• Professionally qualified tutors with years of experience in schools and within Home Education
• FREE Certificate of Attendance with all topic tickets
• Live writing and feedback using Google Classroom

This topic is part of a two-year programme of study (there are four lower and four upper topics that cover reading and writing skills). Our interactive tutorials have been specially written to follow the National Curriculum, ensuring students are adequately prepared for further Key Stage 4 (GCSE) study.

• Students are able to join the programme at any time (subject to availability),they do not have to start in Term 1 
• There are no long-term contracts and no joining fees
• Your child can join a topic that has already started (subject to availability) – just get in touch
• You can request a free trial to sample the teaching style and small-group atmosphere

Please note we do not make recordings of tutorials available. We focus on delivering the very best live, interactive lessons we can and we find recordings can dampen students’ willingness to participate.

Upper KS3

Upper KS3 English lessons are for students who have already had some formal English education beyond primary school level or have completed our Lower KS3 English lessons. They might benefit from this more developed experience of analysing and writing texts that these lessons provide. A typical age range might be 12-14, though other ages are very welcome. Students can switch to Lower KS3 English lessons if they feel they need to (space permitting).

Your Tutor

I have been working with HomeEd families since 2018 and haven’t looked back! I studied a wide range of subjects at university including English, Creative Writing, Philosophy and History, and love being able to explore these topics with our students. Having ran a mental health training company, I believe student wellbeing is one of the most important factors for helping children succeed. I’m also interested in mechanics, music and all sorts of literature.

Joining tutorials is easy…

Step 1: After checkout look out for the ‘download’ link on screen and open it to access your ticket*

Step 2: 5-10 minutes before the start of the tutorial click on the Zoom link to access the class. To make introductions and ensure high levels of safeguarding ALL new students must be seen on camera prior to joining their first tutorial.

We strongly recommend downloading and testing out Zoom before using it for the tutorial. Your child is advised to use a computer, laptop or tablet to access the tutorial rather than a phone. The Zoom user name must match that of the child or the purchaser to ensure access.

*You can also access your purchased download links via the automated email you were sent at checkout (check your junk/spam if you can’t find it) OR you can log into your Tutor Led Learning account and go to your downloads section.

It’s important to be nice…

We treat all members of our community with respect and expect our students to do the same. We will not tolerate any abusive language or behaviour towards either students or tutors and we may remove students who behave inappropriately from any lesson without warning or refund.