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Thinking Black

Programmes > Creative Writing Programme

Creative Writing Programme

We invite students to read, discuss and enjoy Black writers, give critical responses and if they choose, produce original works.

Programme Overview

The Creative Writing Programme is an online summer course for Year 10 students, designed to help you explore your voice through poetry, prose, or playwriting. Across the summer, you'll read and discuss work by Black writers, and depending on your chosen pathway take part in writing workshops, and get expert feedback as you shape your ideas. Whether you are just starting to explore creative writing or looking to develop your skills, the programme will support you every step of the way.

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Programme Pathways

This online programme offers two ways to take part:

Discovery Path

Open to all eligible students to explore and discuss Black literature!

  • Online workshops discussing Black poetry, short stories, and playwriting 

  • Opportunities to connect with others 

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Scholar Path

For students ready to dive deeper, with personalised support to develop a final piecce of writing for submission. 

  • Writing workshops 

  • Personalised feedback on your writing

  • 1-to-1 mentorship

  • Structured deadlines and support to build your final piece

  • Opportunity to submit final piece to win a range of prizes

  • Post-programme check-in to support your next steps 

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Through workshops and exercises, you'll build your own creative response to one of our themes below, through poetry, prose (short story writing) or playwriting. When you apply, you'll have the option to express interest in the Scholar Path. We'll review your application, invite you for an interview and let you know which pathway you've been place on. ​

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Programme Structure

This programme consists of different key phases, all pathways start with workshops on module content and the scholar pathway culminates in the submission of creative writing pieces in a specific style. 

1  — Both Pathways

Introduction to programme content

Workshops & reading list

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2  — Scholar Path

Writing in a specialist style: planning and drafting

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3  — Scholar Path

Writing in a specialist style: editing, feedback and submission

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4 — Scholar Path

Winners announced and celebration day at Oxford University

This is your Service description. Use this space to describe what the service entails, benefits for users and any other important information.

Sessions include:

  • analysis of set texts

  • mentorship

  • thematic and technical writing exercises

  • visit to Oxford University

  • class discussions

Programme Timeline

Sessions largely take place on Saturdays between 10am - 12pm, for the scholar path there will be some mentorship sessions, writing deadlines and celebration sessions taking place during the week.

Discover Path: 19th July - 2nd August 2025

Scholar Path: 19th July - 31st August 2025 & celebration day on the 6th Dec 2025

Students will explore texts from three different themes, in three different styles.  

01

Ancestry & Heritage

02

Love, Joy & Community

03

Revolution & Activism

Themes

How to apply:

Our application process is simple and supportive:

1. Apply online 

Tell us a bit about yourself and your intrest in literature. If you're keen on submitting a piece and receiving personalised support, apply to join the Scholar Path. 

Applications close on the 6th June 2025. 

2. Shortlisting (Scholar Path only)

If you apply to the Scholar Path and your application is shortlisted, we'll invite you to a friendly, informal online call. This is just for us to get to know you better, answer your questions and see if the programme is a good math for you. 

Interviews will run on a rolling basis until 1st July 

3. Programme Offer

  • Scholar Path will be confirmed after interviews

  • Discovery Path offers will be based on your application form 

  • Final decisions for all applicants will be sent by 7th July 2025

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4. Get started

​Whichever pathway you join, you'll take part in sessions and shape your ideas!

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Sessions include

  • analysis of set texts

  • tutorials at Oxford University

  • thematic and technical writing exercises

  • writing style development

  • class discussions

A range of prizes are available from essay publication to a place on the OxNet summer school.

Prize Package

Industry experts session with 'United Agents' Books Department
Cash Prizes

Trophies

Anthology
Celebration Day at Oxford

Eligibility

Students must be:

1. In year 12 when applying for the programme
2. Black state-school students

Discovery Path Eligbility

Students must be:

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1. In Year 10 when applying for the programme
2. Black (includes mixed-Black) heritage

3. State-school students

This is your Service description. Use this space to describe what the service entails, benefits for users and any other important information.

Scholar Path Eligibility

In addition to the discovery path eligbility criteria, scholar students must also:​

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1. Be motivated to complete the whole programme and submit a final piece 
2. Be on track for Grade 6 or above in English Literature or Language at GCSE (extenuating circumstances considered)

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We also take into account your economic background when allocating places.

This is your Service description. Use this space to describe what the service entails, benefits for users and any other important information.

Prizes

Your work deserves to be seen and celebrated! For Scholar Path students, your final submissions will be considered for the following prizes:

  • An exclusive workshop with United Agents, the literary & talent agency

  • Cash prizes

  • Trophies

  • Publication in our Thinking Black anthology 

Prizes are open to students on the Scholar Path.

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FAQs

Can I apply for the scholar path if I'm not confident in my writing yet?
Absolutely! This programme is about learning and developing your skills, whatever your starting point
Is the programme free?
Yes - it's completely free for all students. 
What's the difference between Scholar Path and Discovery Path?
Scholar Path students will be submitting writing at the end of the programme with the chance to win prizes, they will recieve structured deadlines and personalised feedback along the way
Discovery Path focuses on workshops around Black literature and creative exploration, without a final submission
Will the programme help with my GCSEs or future plans?
Yes! You'll build valuable critical analysis skills, and all Scholar Path students will receive writing workshops, mentorship and post-programme check-ins to support their next steps
What happens at the Celebration Day?
We'll come together in person at New College, Oxford University to celebrate your achievements, share your work, present prizes & tour the college. Travel will be reimbursed 
Is the programme accessible for disabled or neurodivergent students?
We're committed to making the programme accessible. If you have specific needs, let us know if your application and we'll do our best to support you. 

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