Comparing Creative Writing Summer Schools: Nurturing the Writer Within

Are you an aspiring wordsmith, yearning to refine your craft and explore your literary talents? Creative Writing Summer Schools beckon with promises of inspiration and growth. In this comprehensive comparison, we will explore four prestigious programmes; Study Mind, Oxford Scholastica, ISSFT, and Immerse Education, each offering a unique platform for young writers to flourish. Let’s journey through the strengths of each program, uncovering how they can shape your creative future.

Study Mind: Cultivating Creativity in Central London

Study Mind’s Creative Writing Summer School, nestled in the heart of Central London, provides a vibrant space for writers aged 16-18 to nurture their creative spirits. The programme is run by successful authors, ensuring students receive guidance from experienced professionals in the field of creative writing.

What sets it apart?

Study Mind beckons with a bouquet of strengths:

Genre Exploration: The programme encourages students to traverse the diverse landscape of writing genres, including fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and creative nonfiction, allowing them to discover their unique writing voice.
Fundamental Mastery: An in-depth dive into storytelling essentials, including character development and plot structure, empowers students with the tools to craft compelling narratives.
Personalised Guidance: Through one-on-one feedback sessions and group critiques, students receive invaluable insights and constructive criticism, sculpting their writing skills.
Portfolio Pride: Graduates exit the program with a portfolio that proudly showcases their growth and talent as writers.

Mentoring Week Highlights:

Hands-on Experience: Students gain hands-on experience in creative writing, diving into captivating texts and creating fictitious scenarios and characters.
Personal Statement Coaching: The programme offers guidance on crafting a compelling personal statement, a valuable skill for future academic and professional pursuits.
Ongoing Support: Study Mind provides ongoing support to students, helping them navigate the world of creative writing even after the programme ends.

Study Mind’s Creative Writing Summer School provides students with a unique opportunity to develop their creative writing skills under the guidance of industry professionals. It not only helps them build a strong foundation in storytelling but also equips them with practical experience and a portfolio of work. The programme’s central London location, flexible payments, and ongoing support make it an attractive choice for aspiring writers looking to kickstart their writing adventure.

Oxford Scholastica: Crafting Creations Amidst Literary Legacy

Oxford Scholastica’s Experience Creative Writing Academy bridges the gap between literature and creativity against the backdrop of the renowned University of Oxford. Students receive guidance from expert tutors hailing from leading universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, ensuring high-quality instruction.

Here’s what it brings to the literary table:

Oxford Scholastica stands strong with several notable strengths:

Authentic Academic Sojourn: Students inhabit the hallowed halls of Oxford, immersing themselves in the footsteps of literary giants such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Tutor Excellence: Guided by expert tutors from prestigious institutions, students benefit from individualised attention within intimate class sizes.
Practical Challenges: The programme combines tutorial-style teaching with practical challenges and debates, enabling students to dive deep into the world of creative writing.
Key Concepts Mastery: Students learn essential writing concepts, including effective dialogue, creating fictional worlds, and developing book series, under the guidance of expert tutors.
Book Series Challenge: The course includes a practical “Book Series Challenge,” where students collaborate to develop ideas for a book series, enhancing their creative and teamwork skills.
Career Insights: Through the “Heroes” program, students glean wisdom from successful young writers, peering into the possibilities of a writing career.
Alumni Connections: The programme boasts a thriving alumni community, a potential gateway to future creative collaborations and opportunities.

The programme covers a range of challenging topics across nine classroom sessions, including exploring the nature of creative writing, storytelling, character development, and more. Additionally, a final class is based on the tutor’s personal expertise, focusing on cutting-edge research in the field.

Oxford Scholastica’s Experience Creative Writing Academy offers a unique opportunity for young writers to immerse themselves in the world of creative writing, receive guidance from expert tutors, and gain an authentic university experience at Oxford.

If you seek an authentic university experience, academic rigor, and a chance to connect with like-minded peers, Oxford Scholastica’s program is a worthy contender.

ISSFT: Cultivating Creativity in Stratford upon Avon

The ISSFT’s English Literature with Creative Writing programme unfolds in Stratford upon Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This programme combines the study of influential literary works with the development of creative writing skills. Students engage in thoughtful class discussions and analysis to better understand the challenges faced by historical and contemporary writers.

What makes it an enticing choice?

ISSFT’s programme draws strength from its unique location and academic prowess:

Creative Writing Emphasis: Students explore various aspects of the creative writing process, including plot development, setting, character creation, visual description, point of view, imaginative language, and emotional appeal.
Cultural Inspiration: Stratford upon Avon’s literary heritage provides an unparalleled backdrop for creative exploration, igniting the flames of inspiration.
Academic Excellence: Students engage with expert academics from prestigious universities, ensuring a robust and enlightening academic experience.
Intimate Classrooms: With an average class size of seven, participants enjoy personalised attention, promoting in-depth learning.
Skill Workshops: Workshops are tailored to unlock students’ potential, enhancing their study skills for future academic pursuits.

Skills Development:

Wide Range of Writing Skills: Working in small groups, students review novels, short stories, poetry, plays, screenplays, and graphic novels, allowing them to develop a diverse set of creative writing skills.
Plot Formation: The program teaches students how to craft unique and engaging plots, a fundamental skill for any writer.
Grammatical Accuracy: Students work on improving their grammatical accuracy, ensuring their writing is clear and concise.
Enhanced Writing Styles: Through the programme, students refine their writing styles, enabling them to express themselves effectively.
Effective Use of Figurative Language: Students learn how to use figurative language to add depth and creativity to their writing.

The summer school expects students to actively engage with course concepts through reading, writing, thinking, and participating. This includes both collaborative work and individual assignments.

Students receive constructive feedback on their coursework and engage in thoughtful discussions to enhance their understanding of the subject matter.

Upon completion, students receive a final report highlighting course coverage, areas for development, unique strengths, and individual contributions.

Immerse Education: Crafting Creativity in Oxford’s Shadow

Immerse Education’s Oxford Creative Writing Summer Course takes place in Oxford, a city known for its rich literary history and association with renowned writers like John Milton and William Thackeray. Students are encouraged to draw inspiration from this cultural setting to enhance their creative writing skills.

The programme covers various aspects of creative writing, including character and plot development, form, and more, helping students expand their writing abilities. Participants work alongside expert university tutors who have taught at prestigious institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard. Small class sizes ensure personalised attention and guidance.