Writers’ Institute
The Hagley Writers’ Institute is situated in the Writers’ Block, a purpose built facility on the Hagley Campus in central Christchurch overlooking Hagley Park. It adds to the strong artistic community developed at Hagley.
The Institute is an exciting initiative both in Christchurch and nationally for adult writers who have begun taking their writing seriously and want to be guided and extended.
It offers a challenging and stimulating programme that will help writers prepare their work for publication and provide a pathway to tertiary study.
Course Structure
Two groups of ten writers form close supportive units, each working with a tutor. Writers work with prose and poetry. They critique each others’ work. They are exposed to other writers and the writing world, listen to guest speakers, and are introduced to a range of good writing by their tutor. They complete writing exercises in class. They are encouraged to write regularly and produce their work for comment. Each group contains writers working in a mixture of genres.
Each writer has a supervisor as well as the class tutor. The writer and supervisor meet regularly by negotiation for critiquing, support and suggestions.
Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course, folios will be appraised by tutors for the Hagley Writers’ Institute Certificate and endorsed at either ‘attainment’ or ‘cum laude’ (distinction) level. Students may also elect to have their work assessed for the Level 4 English writing standard on the National Qualifications Framework. A single award will also be made to acknowledge writing excellence.
Programme
Classes are designed to fit in with writers’ busy schedules and are held on Saturday mornings from 9.30-12.30 for 20 weeks spread throughout the first three terms – 7 weeks in Terms 1 and 2, and 6 weeks in Term 3. Students accepted into the institute are expected to make a significant commitment to their writing of at least 20 hours per week over the year in addition to the Saturday morning classes.
Fees and Enrolment
The full fee of $1200 is payable on acceptance of enrolment. Entry to the course is competitive. Successful students are expected to make a serious commitment to their writing.
Applications for the course close in late October. Those shortlisted are interviewed and all applicants are informed of the outcome by late November/early December.
Contact
Director – Morrin Rout
writers@hagley.school.nz
03 329 9789 | 021 046 4189
P O Box 3084 Christchurch
