4. Creative writing should be a core part of the literature curriculum at GCSE and A level.

4. Creative writing should be a core part of the literature curriculum at GCSE and A level. As soon as students reach year 10, they embark on a programme of study that does not require or expect them to be able to write creatively and expressively. As soon as the formal study of Literature begins, the teaching of the production of literary texts practically ceases. It’s as though we don’t expect that 15-19 year olds could create something that could be classed as the wondrous and mystical thing that is literature. This sends out the message that only an intellectual elite can create literature worthy of study.

The marking of creative work is problematic, but it is possible. A senior examiner for AQA admits that “Creative writing by definition needs a huge amount of coursework and the reduction of coursework and the ever-increasing requirements of reading squeeze it out. It used to be there once but the system doesn’t allow it.” We need to call for a change in the system to allow students the opportunity to engage in the production of literary texts; students are not given equal access to the means of production and consumption of literacy in schools (Cultural Capital: Problem of Literary Canon Formation, Guillory, J. 1994). Even if the “system” doesn’t allow it, teachers are responsible for what happens in their classrooms and there is no reason why this can’t be taught in addition to the requirements of the curriculum.

Many teachers avoid the teaching of creative writing because they don’t feel qualified to teach it, which only reinforces its status as an intimidating, unapproachable pursuit. We need to overcome this fear and show students that anyone can write a poem, anyone can write a story just as in Media Studies we promote the idea that anyone can make a film, anyone can communicate a message using digital tools.