A group of Year 9 English learners embarked on an visit to the British Library for a captivating masterclass on creative writing. The session commenced with an introduction to the library, the national depository for every published book, housing a vast collection of over 170 million items and continuing to grow.  

The workshop delved into the art of storytelling, as the learners were tasked with retelling a simple story shared by the course leader in their respective groups. Encouraged to inject creativity and originality, the learners explored the intricacies of storytelling, discussing key elements such as heroes, villains, problems, solutions, and the structure of a story. The session highlighted the flexibility of story structure, allowing for adaptation and subversion to suit different narrative styles and intentions. 

To further ignite their imagination, learners had the privilege of venturing into one of the library's awe-inspiring installation rooms, where they encountered a diverse array of historical objects. From Shakespeare's first folio to a fascinating double-sided Chinese woodblock, from captivating moon globes to breathtaking landscape paintings, these artifacts served as a great inspiration for our budding writers. 

Santiago shared, ‘It was surprising to see how many old books and scripts from hundreds of years ago that they had in such great condition. I found it really interesting to look at them!’  

Armed with newfound inspiration, the learners eagerly set out to develop their story ideas, guided by the knowledge and insights gained during the masterclass. They embraced the opportunity to apply their creativity and craft captivating narratives, weaving together compelling characters, engaging plotlines, and thought-provoking themes. Through this engaging session, our learners were empowered to unleash their creative potential and develop their skills in the art of storytelling. 

We extend our gratitude to the British Library for providing our students with this invaluable opportunity to engage with literature and writing in such a dynamic and inspiring environment.