Youth Online Program 2012
A series of fifteen (15) online interactive workshops—eight (8) sessions for primary and seven (7)
high school students. Please click on the workshop title for full details of each individual workshop, and on the tutor name for his/her biographical details.
Primary Schools
High Schools
| Online Interactive Workshop No. 1 (Primary School) |
| Tutor |
Lesley Sly |
|
| Date |
Wednesday 30 May |
| Time |
10:30 - 11:15 am |
| |
|
| Title |
Characters in Action |
| Description |
For junior and senior primary school. In this interactive workshop, students will learn that characters are not so much invented as discovered through action in a story, just as we in real life learn more about ourselves in action, overcoming obstacles and fears to achieve goals. |
| Learning Outcomes |
Writers sometimes say that characters took over their story. They can’t actually do that, so what do writers mean by this? Students will learn that for characters to be interesting and believable they have to be more complex than simply good or bad and brave or not, and they have to find the characters interesting and believable themselves if they want readers to do so. Character development involves planning and strategy, goal-setting, problem-solving, lateral thinking, but most of all putting characters into action. The results can be surprising!
|
| Requirements |
Students should have pen and paper so they can make notes if they like, but this workshop is mostly interactive.
|
| Delivery |
Video-conferencing and smartboard. |
| Online Interactive Workshop No. 2 (Primary School) |
| Tutor |
John Heffernan as Charlie Carter |
|
| Date |
Wednesday 6 June |
| Time |
9:30 - 10:15 am |
| |
|
| Title |
Action Packed |
| Description |
For under 10-year olds. The workshop focuses on writing suspense and action pieces using the Battle Boy Series as a starting point—this series is written by John Heffernan under the pseudonym of Charlie Carter.
|
| Learning Outcomes |
A grasp of how to build suspense and deliver action in a story. |
| Requirements |
Students need writing material, preferably draft books, but loose paper is okay. I would like teachers to have read Book One of the Battle Boy Series to the students, and will send a copy of that book to the participating schools if needed. A visit to the Series’ website is also recommended.
|
| Delivery |
I use a combination of smartboard and video-conferencing. The main material is delivered using a Power Point presentation, either with my own computer or using a USB stick. I also like to have the students read out pieces for feedback purposes if that can happen effectively, and I may want to read as well. |
| Online Interactive Workshop No. 3 (Primary School) |
| Tutor |
John Heffernan |
|
| Date |
Wednesday 6 June |
| Time |
10:30 - 11:15 am |
| |
|
| Title |
A Head for Tales |
| Description |
For 11-12 year-olds. The workshop aims to develop a mindset for seeing the tales that are all around us—in ourselves, in others, and beyond—and providing the basic tools to turn those tales into words on a page. |
| Learning Outcomes |
A grounding in key aspects of story creation, including: generating ideas, planning, the opening paragraph, characters, dialogue, editing. |
| Requirements |
Students need writing material, preferably draft books, but loose paper is okay. I like to move at a reasonable pace and keep it stimulating. There are a number of short, sharp exercises and a few longer ones. |
| Delivery |
I use a combination of smartboard and video-conferencing. The main material is delivered using a Power Point presentation. I also like to have the students read out pieces for feedback purposes, and I may want to read as well.
|
| Online Interactive Workshop Nos. 4 + 5 (Primary School) |
| Tutor |
Fiona McDonald |
|
| Date |
Wednesday 27 June |
| Time |
9:30 - 10:15 am, a short break then, 10.30 to 11.15 am |
| |
|
| Title |
Swords and Sorcerers: fantasy illustration |
| Description |
This is a DOUBLE SESSION, same students in both sessions.
How to draw exciting pictures to go with your favourite fantasy novel.
|
| Learning Outcomes |
The outcomes of the workshop will be to understand the complexity of fantasy illustration and to appreciate illustration techniques such as perspective, anatomy, action and composition and their importance in building tension in a story. This workshop comes out of my experience with children—boys in particular—who love drawing monsters and battle scenes, and while the techniques can be applied to any subject it gets a more enthusiastic response to this popular subject.
|
| Requirements |
A4 printer paper, several sheets per student. Pens, pencils, coloured pencils and textas. Desks are fine but so is working on the floor as long as the children have a book or firm surface to put their paper on. If lying on the floor is more conducive to drawing then go for it. It would be very good if the teacher could prepare the class by reading some fantasy literature to the students. This could be: stories of heroes (such as the Greek and Norse Myths), or the Hobbit, Redwall even Harry Potter to get the students primed for the workshop.
|
| Delivery |
Video-conferencing and smartboard with my laptop and wacom tablet for drawing on |
| Online Interactive Workshop No. 6 (Primary School) |
| Tutor |
Sophie Masson |
|
| Date |
Wednesday 1 August |
| Time |
9:30 - 10:15 am |
| |
|
| Title |
Creating a Digital Comic: Concept and Script |
| Description |
For senior primary. This workshop is in two parts: this one, Concept and Script, is followed by Design and Drawing (Workshop 7).
Concept and script are the foundation of comics and graphic novels, just as with other forms of fiction. But they don't work in the same way as other fiction, for you always have to keep in mind the illustrations and—in our digital comic—the music too. So how to go about it? This entertaining and informative workshop will take you into the limitless world of the digital comic, with plenty of ideas and tips to create your own. |
| Learning Outcomes |
A new skill learned or existing skill enhanced, a new way of looking at writing, and a better understanding of a genre which has become more and more popular. |
| Requirements |
Writing materials would be useful (though a lot of this will be conducted verbally, as it is intended especially for inspiration).
|
| Delivery |
Video-conferencing, script on computer/smartboard. |
| Online Interactive Workshop No. 7 (Primary School) |
| Tutor |
David Allan |
|
| Date |
Wednesday 1 August |
| Time |
10:30 - 11:15 am |
| |
|
| Title |
Creating a Digital Comic: Design and Drawing |
| Description |
For senior primary.
After the comic script is complete, it's time to visualise and create the world. Character design, colour palette and the comic's style and pacing have to be considered to best translate the script into the comic/graphic novel format. This exciting workshop helps explain the drawing process from sketch to finished product, to inspire students to have a go for themselves! |
| Learning Outcomes |
A new skill learned or existing skill enhanced, a look into the illustrating and creative process. |
| Requirements |
Primarily inspirational. Students could bring a sketchbook and drawing materials to jot down ideas or sketches they might come up with. |
| Delivery |
Video-conferencing and smartboard. |
| Online Interactive Workshop No. 8 (Primary School) |
| Tutor |
Miles Merrill |
|
| Date |
Wednesday 22 August |
| Time |
9:30 - 10:15 am |
| |
|
| Title |
Telling Your Story |
| Description |
For junior and senior primary school. Everyone has a story to tell. Students learn to tell their own stories and turn them into live theatrical fiction. This workshop is about performing your story, poem or monologue. We will develop characters, use different voices and physical movements. We will generate story group ideas and play word games.
|
| Learning Outcomes |
Students gain access to a variety of communication skills, develop understanding of how telling a story is different from writing it down, gain confidence in their self-expression, develop public speaking skills, get a better understanding of the art of story, increased self-esteem and bonding with other students, greater awareness of local culture. |
| Requirements |
Chairs set up in a semi-circle with a clear open space. Students should bring a story to the workshop. This can be prepared in class or at home. Some students may perform their stories.
|
| Delivery |
Smartboard and video-conferencing. I will show a video either from a DVD or from my laptop. |
| Online Interactive Workshop No. 1 (High School, Senior) |
| Tutor |
Dr Felicity Plunkett |
|
| Date |
Tuesday 19 June |
| Time |
9:30 - 10:15 am |
| |
|
| Title |
Imaginative Writing for English Extension 1 |
| Description |
For Year 12 (also suitable for Year 11). This workshop offers an array of ideas, techniques and approaches to writing imaginative responses within English Extension 1. Presented by Dr Felicity Plunkett, writer, editor and former Chief Examiner of English Extension 1 and 2, the workshop aims to inspire creative, independent and flexible approaches to the imaginative component of the subject. Covering such questions as how to prepare productively for the exam, generating and developing ideas and planning a response, the workshop is suitable for all electives. Ideal for students studying Extension 1 in 2012, it would also be suitable for students in Year 11, preparing to do Extension 1 in 2013.
|
| Learning Outcomes |
Students will discover additional ideas, approaches and resources for writing with independence and confidence for Extension 1 and gain insight into what markers will be looking for. The workshop will build students’ skills in the imaginative component of the subject and help them develop fruitful connections between the critical and imaginative.
|
| Requirements |
Desks and writing materials. If it is possible for participants to be seated in a semi-circle, rather than rows, this can facilitate discussion and interaction. |
| Delivery |
Video-conferencing and smartboard (PowerPoint on USB). |
| Online Interactive Workshop No. 2 (High School, Senior) |
| Tutor |
Dr Felicity Plunkett |
|
| Date |
Tuesday 19 June |
| Time |
10:30 - 11:15 am |
| |
|
| Title |
English Extension 2: Possibilities Assemblage |
| Description |
For Year 12 (also suitable for Year 11). This workshop offers an expert’s view of Extension 2 English with advice on the interrelationship of the elements of the project: Major Work, Reflection Statement and journal. The workshop provides an opportunity to discuss ideas, resources and approaches to creating and developing a Major Work. This workshop is for students taking English Extension 2 in 2012, and would also benefit Year 11 students considering or planning for Extension 2 in 2013. It is suitable for students working in all forms of the Major Work.
|
| Learning Outcomes |
Students will gain ideas and resources to assist in the development of their individual Major Works. How to develop and benefit from the interrelationship of the course’s three components—Major Work, Reflection Statement and journal—will be a focus. From generating fresh ideas to effective editing, the workshop aims to inspire and guide students.
|
| Requirements |
Desks and writing materials. If it is possible for participants to be seated in a semi-circle, rather than rows, this can facilitate discussion and interaction. |
| Delivery |
Video-conferencing and smartboard (PowerPoint on USB). |
| Online Interactive Workshop No. 3 (High School) |
| Tutor |
Sophie Masson |
|
| Date |
Wednesday 8 August |
| Time |
9:30 - 10:15 am |
| |
|
| Title |
Creating a Digital Comic: Concept and Script |
| Description |
For high school, junior to senior. Concept and script are the foundation of comics and graphic novels, just as with other forms of fiction. But they don't work in the same way as other fiction, for you always have to keep in mind the illustrations, and in our digital comic, the music too. So how to go about it? This entertaining and informative workshop will take you into the limitless world of the digital comic, with plenty of ideas and tips to create your own.
|
| Learning Outcomes |
A new skill learned or existing skill enhanced, a new way of looking at writing, and a better understanding of a genre which has become more and more popular. |
| Requirements |
Writing materials would be useful (though a lot of this will be conducted verbally, as it is intended especially for inspiration). |
| Delivery |
Video-conferencing, script on computer/smartboard. |
| Online Interactive Workshop No. 4 (High School) |
| Tutor |
David Allan |
|
| Date |
Wednesday 8 August |
| Time |
10:30 - 11:15 am |
| |
|
| Title |
Creating a Digital Comic: Design and Drawing |
| Description |
For high school, junior to senior. After the comic script is complete, it's time to visualise and create the world. Character design, colour palette and the comic's style and pacing have to be considered to best translate the script into the comic/graphic novel format. This exciting workshop helps explain the drawing process from sketch to finished product, to inspire students to have a go for themselves!
|
| Learning Outcomes |
A new skill learned or existing skill enhanced, a look into the illustrating and creative process.
|
| Requirements |
Primarily inspirational. Students could bring a sketchbook and drawing materials to jot down ideas or sketches they might come up with. |
| Delivery |
Video-conferencing and smartboard. |
| Online Interactive Workshop No. 5 (High School) |
| Tutor |
Miles Merrill |
|
| Date |
Wednesday 22 August |
| Time |
10:30 - 11:15 am |
| |
|
| Title |
Write To Perform |
| Description |
For High school, junior and senior. In a school environment you will eventually have to deliver a presentation. This workshop uses one of the primary characteristics of poetry—say more with less—to assist students to write effectively. Write to Perform looks at ways of using storytelling and poetry to get your message across. We will explore many aspects of performing from holding a microphone to expressing vulnerability. |
| Learning Outcomes |
Students gain a wider understanding of how writing can be presented, confidence in public speaking is improved, confidence in writing is improved, each student learns to perform in front of a live audience, students learn to use words and performance to address contemporary social issues and will learn to use creativity as catharsis for their own experience, each student will be able to consider a variety of ways to present their work including video, audio, written publication and live performance, students will seek out new authors and performers.
|
| Online Interactive Workshop No. 6 + 7 (High School, Senior) |
| Tutor |
Linda Jaivin |
|
| Date |
Wednesday 5 September |
| Time |
9:30 - 10:15 am & 10:30 - 11:15 am |
| |
|
| Title |
What a Character, What a Story! |
| Description |
For senior high school. The first 45-minute session will involve each student creating a fictional character. We'll talk about where characters come from (a mix of real life and imagination, overheard snippets of conversation and more) and then launch in. By the end of the first session, each student will have created a unique character—and each character will have a secret and a fear and a goal. In the second session, we'll look at how knowing a character’s secret and fear and goal makes it easy to come up with a story.
|
| Learning Outcomes |
An understanding of the process of writing fiction, of the essential elements of character and story, and how imagination and real life can combine to create art.
|
| Requirements |
All the students need is plenty of paper and pens or pencils. They should have desks and chairs. |
| Delivery |
Video-conferencing and smartboard. |
The New England Writers' Centre is assisted by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.
