AIM YOUNG WRITERS CLUB
AIM Young Writers Club is a one year programme comprising three modules to cover all aspects of creative writing. Each module is of 12 weeks and can be booked separately.
Foundation Level for 8-10 year olds
Introduction to writing techniques and vocabulary
The course will be led by Kate Poel
This club is perfect for budding storytellers who need a little help clarifying their ideas and putting them on to paper. In this course, we'll introduce children to the basic elements of creative writing such as writing styles, planning, sentence structure, vocabulary, descriptive language and proofreading. They will learn different writing techniques and are encouraged to use them so that they can effectively express their ideas on to paper.
Children will complete various engaging writing activities so that they treat writing as an enjoyable activity. Each week, they will also learn new challenging words and how to retain and use them in writing and daily conversation. This is an incredible course to introduce younger children aged 7-9 year olds to the concept of creative writing or to remind reluctant writers that not all writing has to be academic in nature!
Kate is an experienced primary school teacher, creative writing expert, author and children's book reviewer. She has a passion for writing and stories and can't wait to begin working with a new group of young writers this year.
Developing key skills for 11-13 year olds
Non-Fiction Writing led by Writer and Editor Sandra Smith
In this club, students will learn writing techniques through activities and discussion. We will introduce children to multiple writing genres. They will explore and learn to write newspaper articles, book reviews, persuasive pieces, travel writing, essays, and memoirs. Each week, children will participate in some in-class writing and learn to adapt their script according to the chosen genre. and then complete an assignment in the class. Feedback and evaluation will be provided in class and on the work submitted. They'll also have a deeper understanding about the importance of editing and proofreading in writing.
The course will be led by Sandra Smith. Sandra is a freelance writer and past Chair of Chiltern Writers whilst her workshops and live interviews have taken place at several literary festivals including Thame Arts & Literature Festival for whom she judged 2020’s Flash Fiction competition.
A Creative Writing Tutor (City & Guilds trained), Sandra has run her own writing group for the past 10 years plus she mentors writers on a one-to-one basis. She offers both proofreading and critiquing services, and is Editor of a newly published children’s book, The Giant of Jiggery Pokery and His Amazing Seven League Boots.
Available Courses for Advanced Writers
Get it Published! - Led by YA Author Sarah Mussi
Students MUST have completed the foundation level courses to enrol in this writing club as this club builds on the specific techniques and skills learned in previous modules. This club is perfect for children who want to continue to take their writing to the next level. During this course, we will review the basics of storytelling and learn about more advanced concepts like tone, voice, character development, settings to create desired effects, types of conflicts, climax, pacing, and even the basics of publishing the book. Each week, students will submit their writing for feedback in the following class. This club is a fun, supportive, challenging class for avid writers eager to advance their writing skills. At the end of this module, children will have their first draft of the chapter book. Write and publish your first chapter book .
FAQs
What will my child learn?
This inspiring writer’s club is aimed at honing children’s creative and writing abilities with a
focus to enhance vocabulary.
Your child will:
-improve their creative and academic writing skills
-develop their individual style and tone
-develop critique skills
-gain an understanding of core elements of the writer’s craft
-develop a skill set for completing writing assignments
-demonstrate the ability to produce writing that is clear and logical
-demonstrate the ability to do writing that is original and ingenious
-learn how to unlock creative ideas and use them effectively
-enhance inference skills through book reading sessions
-build confidence and begin to find their unique style of writing
-become a permanent member of AIM Young writers club
-get a chance to publish their written work
-learn a minimum of 60 new words per module
-learn vocabulary enhancing techniques
Will my child get any homework?
We equip children with various unique writing techniques. For children to be fully competent in using them, we encourage them to do regular practise and engage in creative learning. A short piece of writing task is set each week to strengthen understanding of newly learned topics. Another part of homework includes active observation of surroundings, people and objects to enhance their imagination and ingenious thinking.
How will I know that my child’ skills have improved?
At the time of enrolment, we will discuss the objective you want your child to achieve through this course. You will have the opportunity to review their progress weekly, and discuss any concerns you might have. At the end of the course, you will have the chance to reflect on what they have learnt. Like any other skill, Writing can be improved gradually with constant practice. Therefore, we ask parents to discuss their child’s weekly learning and encourage them to complete any homework activity.
How is the course delivered?
This twelve-week module is delivered via Zoom. Each week, children attend a two-hour session. We do not enrol more than six pupils per group so that each child can participate in the discussions actively and get constructive feedback on their work.
What is the cost of the course and how can I enrol?
The young writers club is for just £20.00 per hour! The weekly class is for 2 hours, so you are looking at an investment of £40 per week. Each module is for 12 weeks; thus making the total module investment for £480. Currently, we are offering the course for £440.00 for a limited period.