The Future Novelist

Octorial^™

Academic Experience

Key Points

Small class sizes ensure that each student receives individual attention from their tutors, providing a learning experience which is unique to their needs. This close proximity between students and teachers fosters close relationships and a supportive environment, which builds confidence amongst the young learners and encourages them to succeed.

Teachers challenge students to achieve to the maximum of their potential, and set milestones and goals for each student, with constant evaluation. This sets the pace for each learner to surpass their academic expectations and achieve more than they thought possible.

Alongside their tutors, students are guided by a professional author to develop their skills and flair for writing.

In tandem with the development of writing skills, the course piques the intellectual curiosity of the learners by exposing them to literature which covers a range of topics, in turn developing their critical thinking skills as they discuss and analyse the works.

The mix of nationalities in the classroom and the wide range of materials covered creates an international outlook amongst students, broadening their horizons and exposing them to new ideas, cultures and ways of thinking.

Objectives of the study

Objectives of the stay

For aspiring novelists to bring together a passion for reading with the skills and mental dexterity necessary for writing a short novel.

The Future Novelist

For learners aged 15 - 17 years with a B2 level or higher.

The future novelist brings together a passion for reading with the skills and mental dexterity necessary for writing a short novel. Participants delve into the world of a chosen contemporary novel exploring its storyline, character development, deeper meanings and, of course, what makes it successful. They will also study a number of British classics written by authors who have inspired many writers and readers. This study leads the participants to write a short novel which could be the start of an exciting career in writing.

This is a course for students who aspire to write or are passionate about literature. Guided by both a writer and an English tutor, students will study great works of British fiction, contemporary and classics from all over the world. They will learn what it takes to write in terms of both being creative and being a wordsmith. Students will be coached by a tutor, to develop their skills.
- Inspiration
Students read examples of great English speaking authors from throughout the ages, analysing the stories, the characters and the meaning behind these works.
- Craft
Students look at how to write different genres and study techniques such as creating suspense, evoking atmosphere and writing realistic dialogue to make their writing more engaging.
- In the footsteps of the writer
Students will have an educational field trip where they go to a place synonymous with a writer (e.g. Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Oscar Wilde, Rudyard Kipling). Before the trip they will research the writer and their stories, complete a task on the trip and later in the week they will complete a story in the manner of the writer.
- The writing workshop
Students work on their own writing, guided by tutorial support, to get the most out of their own plot and characters.

Expectations

Outcomes

Ability to write fluently and succinctly in English with a unique writing style.

Accommodation

In the school residence

Secure, fully-supervised residential accommodation. All meals included.

Arrival and departure

Transfer

On arrival days, a shuttle is scheduled to leave for the school at the following times:

- Gatwick airport: 18.00

- Heathrow airport: 18.00

- St. Pancras: 18.00

Students should choose a flight/ train that lands / arrives 90 minutes before the shuttle departure. They should also be aware that the earlier they arrive the longer their wait at the airport/station. A representative will be at the airport or station 5 hours before the departure of the shuttle to welcome the students and provide assistance.

On departure days, a shuttle will drop the students at the following time:

- Gatwick: 11.30

- Heathrow: 11.30

- St. Pancras: 11.30

Students should choose a flight or train that departs at least 2 hours after the above drop off times. They should also be aware that the later the flight the longer the wait.

A representative will stay at the airport or the station 5 hours after the arrival of the shuttle to provide assistance while waiting to go through the departures gate.

Culture