35 students from three schools took part in our Yorkshire Connect event at the University of Huddersfield in July 2023.
Students from Co-op Academy Grange, Titus Salt School and Carlton Keighley attended our Connect Event, hosted by the University of Huddersfield. First Story writers, Ross Raisin, Maria Ferguson and Sairish Hussain led creative writing workshops for the young writers.
Connect events are included in our offer for cohorts taking part in the Young Writers Programme. These events encourage participants to connect with each other as a community of young writers, as well as strengthening connections to local universities and cultural institutions where these events take place.
Students were welcomed to the University by Dr Michael Stewart, Course Leader for Creative Writing. The day started with an introduction to the writers and performances of their work, before splitting into groups to take part in creative writing workshops. Students worked on individual as well as collective pieces.
After lunch, a campus tour and more workshops, students had the opportunity to ask the writers questions about their careers, creativity and writing tips. The day finished off with students practicing their performance skills in a showcase of student work, with prizes awarded.
Without events such as these our students wouldn’t be able to gain an understanding of where writing could take them. It is invaluable for their life outside of school.
Austin Bradshaw, English Teacher, Co-op Academy Grange
