In defence of creative writing
What follows are a selection of comments made on the September 2015 NAWE petition to Nicky Morgan to save creative writing A level.
By 13 Nov 2015, nearly 6,000 people had signed this petition. The petition will be sent to Nicky Morgan, Education minister, after the NAWE conference, 13-15 November 2015
To sign the petition or see further responses, click here.
3,600 signatures as of 4 p.m. 20.9.2015
3,700 signatures as of 5.30 p.m. 22.9.2015
3,932 signatures as of 12:30 p.m. 30.9.2015
4,483 signatures as of 9 a.m. 28.10.2015
5,398 signatures as of 6 p.m. 11.11.2015
5,945 signatures as of 11 a.m. 13.11.2015
"I am enraged at this destruction of a course for those whose creative talents could go on to produce the next generation of classic literature. This is a waste of talent and will lead us to a society only interested in what it can produce for economic ends. Shame on you, minister." Francesca Turner
This government's myopic attitude towards the arts is disappointing. David Chesters
The process of creating a new work is different from that of criticising and analysing those of established authors and playwrights. It is, arguably, more rigorous, particularly if subjected to the critique of an audience. To gauge the audience, tell the story/make the argument, structure the content is a very high level skill. For most, this will not lead to a career in writing novels or plays, but an A Level in creative writing will produce minds that are discriminating, articulate and driven to communicate. This is useful, if not essential in most areas of employment, but particularly in politics. David Lea
I teach the AQA Creative Writing A Level and am appalled at the short sighted, ridiculous reasoning behind the cutting of the qualification. This course needs to be redeveloped and offered to students. We should not be limiting the options of the young. Andy Duckhouse
Creative writing enables the level of articulation and cognitive awareness of self reflection that is crucial for critical thinking and communication. This subject should be encouraged not removed. Sian van Zyl
The creative industries are being slowly strangled by this government and this is just another example of how they have no regard for creativity or encouraging freedom. To suggest Creative Writing is too similar to English Literature is as absurd as suggesting that Physics is the same as Maths (although Physics is probably closer to Maths than CW is to EL). Mark Leas
Tory education policy is completely abhorrent. Robin Clare
Denying people the opportunity to study other works of literature because this might overlap with other A levels in English would be farcical if it were not tragic. Moyra Beverton
I am in my second year and it has helped me through so much ... it is so different from other English as it allows you to be imaginative but is still educational and tough. Beth Starling
I am a lecturer currently teaching the subject and have since it began 2 years ago. It has informed students' knowledge and learning in other aspects of their education as well as helped them to produce excellent creative and innovative work that prepared them for university and assisted in their academic progression. Students have continued on to both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the subject. David Watts
I taught creative writing at university level for 25 years and saw countless examples of the ways in which the subject helps to develop and enhance a whole range of skills. Students enter the world of work as deep-thinking, adaptable, sensitive and creative individuals. I was able to look at the A Level before it came on line and was more than happy to endorse it as an excellent preparation for English, English Language, and Creative Writing degree courses. Denise Hayes
I am signing as I have seen the positive impact Creative Writing can have on young people's lives. I know this A-Level is important and I cannot understand why removing it completely as an option improves anything for anybody. Charlotte Hodkinson
The Creative Writing A Level is one way for teachers and students to make sense of personal experience. A robust education system needs to put student experience at the heart of the curriculum. It is also one of the best ways to improve the quality of written expression which employers reportedly seek. If students can express themselves in ways they care about they will be able to adapt these skills more easily to functional modes. Dorothy Lennie
Creativity is a force that develops knowledge and understanding. To cull creative writing is to limit opportunity and stymie potential. Please don't. Lorna Smith
I'm signing because I'm a published writer and I have been enormously impressed by the course content of the AS in Creative Writing that my son has just completed. He was introduced to a wide variety of ways into different kinds of writing, he was stretched intellectually and his practice as a writer has developed significantly over the year so that he now is actively engaged in publishing his own stories online. My son is autistic and this has been a major boost to his confidence.
I can see no compelling reason why the course is not to be continued. Creative Writing is now a well established academic discipline in Higher Education and it should be available at A level alongside other practical art forms like Fine Arts, Music and Performing Arts. The element of Creative Writing currently featured in the English Language A level is minimal and does not give students the rigorous challenge that the Creative Writing A level does. Jeremy Over
Our Academy has invested teaching and reading resources to support this course in response to an identified need for an element of creativity to complement Eng Lit. It is our most able English Lit students who have chosen this course and the benefits have been immediately obvious. Liz Croft
Creative Writing A Level is a thriving, established discipline in HE and it was long overdue in FE when we began teaching it in 2013. It prepares students to write in "real world contexts" which Ofsted recommends. What's not to love about CREW? Melanie Courtney-Holt
My daughter was fortunate enough to achieve an AS level in Creative writing this summer .What is she supposed to do now? Emily Marshall
My daughter has just started the Creative Writing A Level and I don't want it to be devalued by universities. It is needed as an A level for those who wish to continue to study the subject at HE level and offers students an A level which focuses on writing as an art form. Allison Wharton
It is awful to ... block a pathway that rigorously helps children develop educationally and as people. Hugh Busher
Creative writing is at the core of English and this should be a focus throughout school. Emma Bodsworth
As a university tutor of both literature and creative writing I am starting to see the fruits of the Creative Writing 'A' level. It is foolish to discontinue the award so soon after its introduction. There is surely scope to refine the balance of 'skills' and 'knowledge.' But, alas I doubt if those who have taken the decision have much interest in fostering creativity. Derek Littlewood
The A Level represents an important step in a full cultural and communicative education. I endorse this as a member of NAWE and former Director of Open Studies Creative Writing at the University of Warwick. John Alcock
Architecture of the mind; anthropology of the heart; artistry of the intellect; precision of the logician; imagination of the magician; reflective wisdom of the sage; omniscience of the creator - having taught this course, I know that these are the skills I need in a potential student; these are the skills that all the famous writers who produce writing for us all to enjoy are capable of utilising. Surely we should value these skills? It isn't about sitting in an ivory tower with a romantic, idealistic idea - it's about crafting the language we are in danger of losing. At the most basic level, employers need employees who can articulate our language accurately, fit it for its intended purpose and reach an audience with style. The current GCSE in no way readies students to achieve this - the school-intervened hoops they artificially jump through invariably still churn out 'successes' who are unable to use language effectively. This A level course is crucial in remedying that situation. Karen Need
The connections between creative writing and advanced critical thinking are self-evident. It is almost inexplicable - except in the bizarre and ill-informed world of Standards-driven agendas (read narrowing of standards agendas) - that a Minister for Education would wish to remove the possibility for students to develop their personal creative talents through a well-constructed and clearly rigorous A level in Creative Writing. This seems to be yet another example of an ideological Conservative war on the Arts. This is based, as far as I can see, on the entirely false premise that creative = lacking in rigour. Unlike English Literature, which still remains notoriously unwilling to engage with genuine theory and criticism in its approaches to literary text and literary study, Creative Writing engages students in the first-hand exploration of creative theory. Furthermore, it seems absurd to take away one of the few places in the English curriculum where students genuinely have the opportunity to explore their creative talents. The massive uptake and success of Creative Writing in its multiple manifestations in Higher Education demonstrates the extent to which students value the subject, and the desire to dismantle the A level illustrates the extent to which this administration and its narrow 'values' is out of touch with what is actually happening in the world of English education. So much for the Education Secretary's hollow words about wishing to develop a better qualified and more creative society. Andrew Green
Nicky Morgan. If you were an intelligent secretary of state for education you would have talked to those who teach & study this subject, not just be the pet poodle of your predecessor Michael Gove & follow his personal prejudices. But you didn't. Shame on you. Resign now. Ian Taylor
because it's self-evident that the arts are crucial to the moral and emotional health of the nation; because it should be a matter of public outrage that politicians of any persuasion should interfere in the business of teaching and learning beyond creating he infrastructure that makes it possible. John Foggin
Would we scrap Art and Design, Music, Drama or Dance A levels? That a country renowned for its literature refuses to support new generations of writers is a scandal. As a lecturer in Creative Writing I can attest to the commitment of my students, and the great moral, intellectual and personal benefits of the subject as the petition outlines. Naomi Foyle
The subject of Creative Writing is a vital and highly disciplined way of learning, at a sophisticated level, about literary craft and technique. It offers direct insight into and an informed understanding of the power of the written word in a way that English Literary Studies alone cannot offer. One understands far better the achievement of a sonnet by Shakespeare or Heaney, for example, once one has grappled oneself with the form's opportunities and constraints. The subject of CW creates very active readers who understand literary expression from both the 'outside in' (analysis through the lens of literary history or theory) AND from the 'inside-out' (through an active engagement with literary tradition and contemporary innovation via craft). Close reading of texts is central to the subject. As a country, we do not deny A-Level students the chance to study, very directly, music, art or drama, but in some misfiring of logic, we want our writers to spring fully formed from isolated garrets or to stroll languidly off an Oxbridge campus. The reality is that good writing is a tough discipline that demands its own form of education, a programme best determined by senior writers with a sound knowledge of A-level practice. It's true of course that every Creative Writing student will not become a published writer. But a Creative Writing course is not 'about' publication. We do not expect most English A-Level students to become literary critics, nor do we expect most A-Level Music students to win positions in national symphonies. Creative Writing is about creating a generation who will be more assured writers and readers. They will develop into thinkers who are critical, reflective and inventive. These qualities have an intrinsic value for that individual and their own intellectual/imaginative life. But they also are the skills a wide range of employers keenly need. As a society, we'd be misguided and narrow to shut down opportunities for such an education. Alison MacLeod
By 13 Nov 2015, nearly 6,000 people had signed this petition. The petition will be sent to Nicky Morgan, Education minister, after the NAWE conference, 13-15 November 2015
To sign the petition or see further responses, click here.
3,600 signatures as of 4 p.m. 20.9.2015
3,700 signatures as of 5.30 p.m. 22.9.2015
3,932 signatures as of 12:30 p.m. 30.9.2015
4,483 signatures as of 9 a.m. 28.10.2015
5,398 signatures as of 6 p.m. 11.11.2015
5,945 signatures as of 11 a.m. 13.11.2015
"I am enraged at this destruction of a course for those whose creative talents could go on to produce the next generation of classic literature. This is a waste of talent and will lead us to a society only interested in what it can produce for economic ends. Shame on you, minister." Francesca Turner
This government's myopic attitude towards the arts is disappointing. David Chesters
The process of creating a new work is different from that of criticising and analysing those of established authors and playwrights. It is, arguably, more rigorous, particularly if subjected to the critique of an audience. To gauge the audience, tell the story/make the argument, structure the content is a very high level skill. For most, this will not lead to a career in writing novels or plays, but an A Level in creative writing will produce minds that are discriminating, articulate and driven to communicate. This is useful, if not essential in most areas of employment, but particularly in politics. David Lea
I teach the AQA Creative Writing A Level and am appalled at the short sighted, ridiculous reasoning behind the cutting of the qualification. This course needs to be redeveloped and offered to students. We should not be limiting the options of the young. Andy Duckhouse
Creative writing enables the level of articulation and cognitive awareness of self reflection that is crucial for critical thinking and communication. This subject should be encouraged not removed. Sian van Zyl
The creative industries are being slowly strangled by this government and this is just another example of how they have no regard for creativity or encouraging freedom. To suggest Creative Writing is too similar to English Literature is as absurd as suggesting that Physics is the same as Maths (although Physics is probably closer to Maths than CW is to EL). Mark Leas
Tory education policy is completely abhorrent. Robin Clare
Denying people the opportunity to study other works of literature because this might overlap with other A levels in English would be farcical if it were not tragic. Moyra Beverton
I am in my second year and it has helped me through so much ... it is so different from other English as it allows you to be imaginative but is still educational and tough. Beth Starling
I am a lecturer currently teaching the subject and have since it began 2 years ago. It has informed students' knowledge and learning in other aspects of their education as well as helped them to produce excellent creative and innovative work that prepared them for university and assisted in their academic progression. Students have continued on to both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the subject. David Watts
I taught creative writing at university level for 25 years and saw countless examples of the ways in which the subject helps to develop and enhance a whole range of skills. Students enter the world of work as deep-thinking, adaptable, sensitive and creative individuals. I was able to look at the A Level before it came on line and was more than happy to endorse it as an excellent preparation for English, English Language, and Creative Writing degree courses. Denise Hayes
I am signing as I have seen the positive impact Creative Writing can have on young people's lives. I know this A-Level is important and I cannot understand why removing it completely as an option improves anything for anybody. Charlotte Hodkinson
The Creative Writing A Level is one way for teachers and students to make sense of personal experience. A robust education system needs to put student experience at the heart of the curriculum. It is also one of the best ways to improve the quality of written expression which employers reportedly seek. If students can express themselves in ways they care about they will be able to adapt these skills more easily to functional modes. Dorothy Lennie
Creativity is a force that develops knowledge and understanding. To cull creative writing is to limit opportunity and stymie potential. Please don't. Lorna Smith
I'm signing because I'm a published writer and I have been enormously impressed by the course content of the AS in Creative Writing that my son has just completed. He was introduced to a wide variety of ways into different kinds of writing, he was stretched intellectually and his practice as a writer has developed significantly over the year so that he now is actively engaged in publishing his own stories online. My son is autistic and this has been a major boost to his confidence.
I can see no compelling reason why the course is not to be continued. Creative Writing is now a well established academic discipline in Higher Education and it should be available at A level alongside other practical art forms like Fine Arts, Music and Performing Arts. The element of Creative Writing currently featured in the English Language A level is minimal and does not give students the rigorous challenge that the Creative Writing A level does. Jeremy Over
Our Academy has invested teaching and reading resources to support this course in response to an identified need for an element of creativity to complement Eng Lit. It is our most able English Lit students who have chosen this course and the benefits have been immediately obvious. Liz Croft
Creative Writing A Level is a thriving, established discipline in HE and it was long overdue in FE when we began teaching it in 2013. It prepares students to write in "real world contexts" which Ofsted recommends. What's not to love about CREW? Melanie Courtney-Holt
My daughter was fortunate enough to achieve an AS level in Creative writing this summer .What is she supposed to do now? Emily Marshall
My daughter has just started the Creative Writing A Level and I don't want it to be devalued by universities. It is needed as an A level for those who wish to continue to study the subject at HE level and offers students an A level which focuses on writing as an art form. Allison Wharton
It is awful to ... block a pathway that rigorously helps children develop educationally and as people. Hugh Busher
Creative writing is at the core of English and this should be a focus throughout school. Emma Bodsworth
As a university tutor of both literature and creative writing I am starting to see the fruits of the Creative Writing 'A' level. It is foolish to discontinue the award so soon after its introduction. There is surely scope to refine the balance of 'skills' and 'knowledge.' But, alas I doubt if those who have taken the decision have much interest in fostering creativity. Derek Littlewood
The A Level represents an important step in a full cultural and communicative education. I endorse this as a member of NAWE and former Director of Open Studies Creative Writing at the University of Warwick. John Alcock
Architecture of the mind; anthropology of the heart; artistry of the intellect; precision of the logician; imagination of the magician; reflective wisdom of the sage; omniscience of the creator - having taught this course, I know that these are the skills I need in a potential student; these are the skills that all the famous writers who produce writing for us all to enjoy are capable of utilising. Surely we should value these skills? It isn't about sitting in an ivory tower with a romantic, idealistic idea - it's about crafting the language we are in danger of losing. At the most basic level, employers need employees who can articulate our language accurately, fit it for its intended purpose and reach an audience with style. The current GCSE in no way readies students to achieve this - the school-intervened hoops they artificially jump through invariably still churn out 'successes' who are unable to use language effectively. This A level course is crucial in remedying that situation. Karen Need
The connections between creative writing and advanced critical thinking are self-evident. It is almost inexplicable - except in the bizarre and ill-informed world of Standards-driven agendas (read narrowing of standards agendas) - that a Minister for Education would wish to remove the possibility for students to develop their personal creative talents through a well-constructed and clearly rigorous A level in Creative Writing. This seems to be yet another example of an ideological Conservative war on the Arts. This is based, as far as I can see, on the entirely false premise that creative = lacking in rigour. Unlike English Literature, which still remains notoriously unwilling to engage with genuine theory and criticism in its approaches to literary text and literary study, Creative Writing engages students in the first-hand exploration of creative theory. Furthermore, it seems absurd to take away one of the few places in the English curriculum where students genuinely have the opportunity to explore their creative talents. The massive uptake and success of Creative Writing in its multiple manifestations in Higher Education demonstrates the extent to which students value the subject, and the desire to dismantle the A level illustrates the extent to which this administration and its narrow 'values' is out of touch with what is actually happening in the world of English education. So much for the Education Secretary's hollow words about wishing to develop a better qualified and more creative society. Andrew Green
Nicky Morgan. If you were an intelligent secretary of state for education you would have talked to those who teach & study this subject, not just be the pet poodle of your predecessor Michael Gove & follow his personal prejudices. But you didn't. Shame on you. Resign now. Ian Taylor
because it's self-evident that the arts are crucial to the moral and emotional health of the nation; because it should be a matter of public outrage that politicians of any persuasion should interfere in the business of teaching and learning beyond creating he infrastructure that makes it possible. John Foggin
Would we scrap Art and Design, Music, Drama or Dance A levels? That a country renowned for its literature refuses to support new generations of writers is a scandal. As a lecturer in Creative Writing I can attest to the commitment of my students, and the great moral, intellectual and personal benefits of the subject as the petition outlines. Naomi Foyle
The subject of Creative Writing is a vital and highly disciplined way of learning, at a sophisticated level, about literary craft and technique. It offers direct insight into and an informed understanding of the power of the written word in a way that English Literary Studies alone cannot offer. One understands far better the achievement of a sonnet by Shakespeare or Heaney, for example, once one has grappled oneself with the form's opportunities and constraints. The subject of CW creates very active readers who understand literary expression from both the 'outside in' (analysis through the lens of literary history or theory) AND from the 'inside-out' (through an active engagement with literary tradition and contemporary innovation via craft). Close reading of texts is central to the subject. As a country, we do not deny A-Level students the chance to study, very directly, music, art or drama, but in some misfiring of logic, we want our writers to spring fully formed from isolated garrets or to stroll languidly off an Oxbridge campus. The reality is that good writing is a tough discipline that demands its own form of education, a programme best determined by senior writers with a sound knowledge of A-level practice. It's true of course that every Creative Writing student will not become a published writer. But a Creative Writing course is not 'about' publication. We do not expect most English A-Level students to become literary critics, nor do we expect most A-Level Music students to win positions in national symphonies. Creative Writing is about creating a generation who will be more assured writers and readers. They will develop into thinkers who are critical, reflective and inventive. These qualities have an intrinsic value for that individual and their own intellectual/imaginative life. But they also are the skills a wide range of employers keenly need. As a society, we'd be misguided and narrow to shut down opportunities for such an education. Alison MacLeod