This page explores some questions aside from basic practicalities.
INCLUSIVENESS, MOTIVATION AND STRUCTURE
Regardless of the size or type of workshop ('mixed ability', ' gifted and talented', etc.), the emphasis is always on inclusiveness and motivation. Clearly stated structures mean that a safety net is built into each activity as well as the chance for pupils to 'take off and fly'. There is no risk of 'failure', 'exposure', 'fear of failure', etc.
The keys are energy, enjoyment and exploration: fun and play, delight and dynamism, motivation and movement, and the development of confidence. There is a transparent methodology that combines focus on language skills, imagination and awareness. Careful advance planning of workshops with school staff is encouraged, and maximum versatility and flexibility are applied in response to each school's particular needs. In all cases, there is a careful balance between clearly stated structure and opportunity for experiment and individuality.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES? AND RESULTS?
Enrichment and development of better abilities in all language skills: oral and aural, writing and reading. Increase in motivation and heightening of confidence.
As an experienced educationalist and methodologist, Richard Burns works simultaneously towards different 'layers' of response during any single teaching activity. The first is improvement of literacy skills. The second is the enhancing of literary abilities and talents. When these two targets are articulated and approached coherently and together, as a matter of school policy, the results can be far-reaching.
For an ambitious teaching staff, it is feasible to build up a strong and proud tradition of achievement in imaginative writing in a school - one that fully takes into account standard thinking about 'literacy targets' and goes far beyond these towards literary excellence. Poetry workshops can lead, for example, to such results as an anthology of writing in the school, the establishment of a school literary magazine and the founding of a writers' club. If a school has a website, it is an excellent idea to post pupils' poems up on it.