My approach to teaching creative writing and poetry is through an experience of play, finding words and phrases that arise through

experiences in the natural world
adventuring with the senses
exploring other art-forms

When creating new writing with learners, these environments provide opportunities to enhance the senses to a greater awareness; to discover innate abilities and to develop new skills.

Being in touch with the ability to ‘play’ is to be in touch with our own expressive nature.

SCHOOLS:

I have worked successfully with many Key Stage 2 groups, and with young people/KS3 outside the school setting..

I am happy to collaborate with teachers and head-teachers to suit ongoing projects and
relevant targets, but I primarily offer an ‘arts’ experience rather than an
educational approach.

Giving ongoing good feedback at all stages of the process is a high priority,
as is encouraging a love of juicy words and delicious language through storytelling,
poetry reading, artwork, and drama.

Working with the support of the class teacher and teaching assistants ensures that
students with additional needs receive their additional support.

"…an enjoyable and stimulating session for reluctant and struggling writers".
Anna Mills, teacher; Pennycross Primary School, Plymouth

“…the teachers gave extremely positive feedback and were particularly pleased by 
the positive effect (Lucy’s sessions) had on the children's perception of writing and 
writers. They were unanimous in their feeling that schools could benefit from more 
of this kind of professional input.” 

Dr. Jo Mayes, project leader, ‘Devonport Leat Project’

YOUTH GROUPS:

Young people who are motivated towards creative writing usually have their own
ideas and agendas, requesting workshops or classes with specific goals in
mind: for example, song lyrics, producing a magazine or other publication, or writing
for performance.

I am able to plan sessions to suit these needs.

I am able to design issue-based sessions around such subjects as personal
and cultural identity, race and gender; and am keen to work in collaboration with
other artists and performers in projects for young people.

"Tapping into the energetic loud mind of a teenager is no easy task, but it was
 "mission accomplished" by Lucy Lepchani during a creative writing workshop 
YHA Bellever. 10 students from a London college were prompted to write a short 
poem or story in their own style, language and points of view. Some of the work 
was inspirational and reflected their experience of life in a very unique way."

COMMUNITY GROUPS:

I am happy to consider all possibilities, and can design workshops at all levels of ability.

Workshops can be based in particular settings, or around any number of themes: from the personal to the political; from community to spirituality, and can range from humour to the most tender of human experiences.

Please contact me to discuss your needs and ideas.

"Lucy Lepchani led several poetry workshops at CCANW (Centre for Contemporary Art
and the Natural World) for both school groups and families, which brought poetry to life
within a forest setting. Lucy's workshops are well organised, incorporating a wide range
of activities whiche create a can-do response from even the most initially reticent
of participants."

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

I am cleared at ‘Enhanced Discrimination’ level with the Home Office and can provide relevant documents. I also hold Public Liability Insurance for the purpose of teaching and performing poetry and creative writing in schools and venues such as village halls, hotels, galleries, etc.

COSTS AND BOOKINGS:

Please contact me to discuss any ideas or requests.

My minimum rates for educational work are as set by the Arts Council England, which is currently around £200 per full day (school hours).
For schools and educational establishments/groups, I charge expenses only (to areas outside Mid/South Devon) for all initial meetings and structured planning sessions.

I am also willing to stand as a co-funder in some grant applications, by offering my project-related administration charges as ‘support in kind’.

I am also available via bookings through the leading poetry professional development organisation Apples and Snakes http://www.applesandsnakes.org

lucy lepchani - creative writing & poetry workshops