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writing squads


The Academi's Young Writing Squads are very similar to the range of sports development schemes currently running in Wales. Local authorities are persuaded to set up groups of selected children whose creative writing shows unusual ability and promise. In most cases this selection is been made at around age 9-10 with headteachers in each authority being asked to identify keen, possibly gifted, young writers. English advisors conduct the final selections and each squad of children meets roughly three or four times a year (usually on Saturdays) for special training sessions with outstanding writers who have the necessary communication skills to work with the young. The aim is to keep each squad together until the end of their schooldays.

By spring 1999, the inaugural Gwent Squad had been joined by Squads in Cardiff, Caerphilly, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Powys (two here) and Newport. New squads were holding their first meetings in Swansea, Conwy and Monmouthshire. Conwy established squads working through the mediums of both English and Welsh - the first Sgwad Sgwennu. Bridgend, north Powys, Denbigh and Gwynedd are expected to follow suit soon.

A body of tutors now has experience of working with these talented children. These include Gillian Clarke, Francesca Kay, Ric Hool, Philip Gross, Robert Minhinnick, Jenny Sullivan, Moira Andrew, Peter Finch and the Website designer Sue Williams of HyperAction. The Arts Council of Wales, which was involved in the initial development, also funded the establishment of the Website which carries full background information and examples of the children's work-in-progress. You can visit this site at http://www.hyperaction.org.uk/squads/
Hyperaction's splendid site is highly readable and readily lends itself to expansion. A chatroom facility for the children will soon be available.


Gillian Clarke works with pupils at Bargoed Comprehensive

Please contact the Academi at post@academi.org for further information about the Squads movement. Those wishing to establish new squads are particularly encouraged to get in touch.