Schools
Since 1981, Windows has worked extensively within schools and
with school groups in libraries. These are usually arranged and
funded either by the individual institution or by the local
authority as part of a wider integrated programme of
activities.
School and school/library sessions normally involve up to 30
pupils, of any age group from infant to upper-sixth form. The
nature and length of the session with each group is by
arrangement to suit the needs of the particular school or library
service.
The sessions usually begin with a reading by the visiting
poets from their own work. The reading can be a short introduction to
a workshop or a full-length performance followed by a question and
answer session. Readings are available for all from infant reception
classes upwards.
The reading can be followed by a workshop for which the
Project has devised a wide range of introductory games, which
give pupils an individual stimulus as a starting point for their
poems. The games range from ones concerned with simple literacy
and word-play (spelling, word choice, sentence construction)
through basic skills (rhythm, rhyme, form, comparison) to those
which set artistic problems or lead to the expression of personal
experience. Workshops are available to all aged 6 or over.
Although the above paragraphs cover the larger part of the
work that the project is invited to do, writers within the
Project have experience of working from nursery to further
education level, including special schools, and with teachers in
service and in training. The Project can arrange sessions to suit
specific needs and is always interested in discussing new
initiatives.
Libraries
Several local authorities have chosen an alternative to
working within one school by bringing selected classes from a
number of schools to a local library. Often run in conjunction
with literacy programmes, this also helps to promote the library
as a local facility.
WISE
The Writers in Schools and Education programme exists to assist schools and
colleges within the region who wish to invite writers. .
As with all visits, the earlier that preparatory discussion begins the better! Click here for information on writers involved.
WAS
The Writers Attachment Scheme supports the training of writers by the
Project to improve their skills in school and community work.
