All age-groups can benefit, both primary and secondary, from infants to pre-university students, reception to sixth form.

WHAT SIZE OF GROUPS?

Both small and large workshops can be effective, depending on a school's aims and needs. Small workshops usually have the advantage of selectivity, individual attention, monitored interaction and richer focus on innerness and depth. Large workshops tend to generate more energy and can have a wider and more effective impact on the school community as a whole. They can be good value for money if the budget is limited. Introductory workshops can be for as many as 180-200 pupils at a time. This means that, in the course of single day's visit, up to 400 or 500 pupils can be involved. In a primary, infant, junior or middle school, it is nearly always possible to arrange timetables so that, in the course of one day, every child in the school will have the experience of a writing workshop. This may also apply to an entire year group in a large comprehensive school.

MIXED ABILITY? SELF SELECTION? GIFTED & TALENTED?

Workshops can be arranged for both 'mixed ability' and 'gifted and talented' groups. In mixed ability groups, pupils are sometimes motivated who have not previously been identified as  'imaginative', 'good at English', etc. Some find they suddenly discover interest and talent, surprise themselves and their teachers, and go on to excel. Self-selecting enrolment for workshops can also be valuable, especially for underestimated pupils.

WHAT ABOUT SPECIAL NEEDS?

In mainstream education, most pupils and students can be successfully integrated into all the kinds of writing workshops described above. Richard Burns also works closely with teachers in special schools and units. Pupils and students facing certain kinds of difficulties and challenges, even severe ones, can enjoy a writing workshop and respond favourably. To ensure a useful and productive visit, the keys are careful advance preparation and staff leadership and support.

 

WHAT TECHNIQUES ARE USED?

A large repertoire of  practical, original and innovative games and strategies are deployed. These include: structured word-play and language games; exploration of fantasy and imagination; simple awareness training; development of specific writing skills and techniques (verse forms, narrative, etc); individual, pair and small group work; drama and mime; working on drafts and polishing final texts; sharing and performing one's writing.

MONOLINGUAL, BILINGUAL & MULTILINGUAL

As a linguist, experienced international teacher and EFL expert, Richard Burns is attuned to multilingual and multicultural situations. He is particularly effective in working with bilingual pupils, whose language needs are not always regognised in monolingual classes.

TEACHER TRAINING

Richard provides teacher-training workshops in the UK and abroad. He has co-operates with many educational and cultural organisations, including the British Council.

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