Join an existing NWP writing group
NWP groups in the UK , March 2018
In September 2017 there were 19 NWP groups around the UK. These groups are 'floating populations' made up of 100+ practising teachers, lecturers and students - who are keen to explore their own writing. About 200 teachers have joined online in the last 5 years. Many start by accompanying friends and colleagues who have already joined, and leave when their circumstances change.
The number of groups has grown over the last 6 years, but varies according to teachers' time and enthusiasm. Some meet once a month, some every half-term. Some meet for an hour or two after school, but most meet for 2 -3 hours on Saturday mornings at at off-site venue with coffee and comfy chairs! Each group decides what works best for it. First and foremost teachers meet to write and enjoy each other's writing. And, of course, they talk about writing experiences in schools and reflect on the connections and issues. The process strengthens them.
Ready to join a writing group? Please go to CONTACT page
What can you expect in an NWP meeting?
I led the London Whodunit group (2013-2018). We met in museums, parks and galleries. Marjorie Caine now leads the group. Teachers come from various places - London, Kent, Herts - and even Dorset!
We bring our own writing notebooks and pens, and bring or buy our own food and drink.
Here's an example of how our Saturday writing meetings tend to go.
10 arrive and talk over coffee/cake
10:30 loosen the 'writing muscles' with a quick writing exercise
11 each person finds a place and writes what they wish
12 reconvene to share what we wish, discuss the process, talk about school and discuss any forthcoming conference, joint project or publication
12:30/1 fix next meeting and leave - or stay and lunch together
If you do not find an NWP group in your area, and you're interested in starting one, please indicate that on the contact form.
Groups and their leaders are listed below.
Some of the London groups (asterisked below) tend to meet in museums and galleries in Central London; others are based in boroughs or Universities. Across the country, groups sometimes vary the venues of their meetings.
This page updated by Simon Wrigley 3.2.2019
The number of groups has grown over the last 6 years, but varies according to teachers' time and enthusiasm. Some meet once a month, some every half-term. Some meet for an hour or two after school, but most meet for 2 -3 hours on Saturday mornings at at off-site venue with coffee and comfy chairs! Each group decides what works best for it. First and foremost teachers meet to write and enjoy each other's writing. And, of course, they talk about writing experiences in schools and reflect on the connections and issues. The process strengthens them.
Ready to join a writing group? Please go to CONTACT page
What can you expect in an NWP meeting?
I led the London Whodunit group (2013-2018). We met in museums, parks and galleries. Marjorie Caine now leads the group. Teachers come from various places - London, Kent, Herts - and even Dorset!
We bring our own writing notebooks and pens, and bring or buy our own food and drink.
Here's an example of how our Saturday writing meetings tend to go.
10 arrive and talk over coffee/cake
10:30 loosen the 'writing muscles' with a quick writing exercise
11 each person finds a place and writes what they wish
12 reconvene to share what we wish, discuss the process, talk about school and discuss any forthcoming conference, joint project or publication
12:30/1 fix next meeting and leave - or stay and lunch together
If you do not find an NWP group in your area, and you're interested in starting one, please indicate that on the contact form.
Groups and their leaders are listed below.
Some of the London groups (asterisked below) tend to meet in museums and galleries in Central London; others are based in boroughs or Universities. Across the country, groups sometimes vary the venues of their meetings.
- Bedford: Simon Wrigley
- Brighton, Sussex: Theresa Gooda
- Bristol Uni: Lorna Smith
- Cambridge: Alison Binney
- Eastbourne: Rachel Crystal
- Ipswich: Jenifer Smith
- London (Free Spaces): Mari Cruice
- London (Islington Secondary): Emma Simpson
- London (Wembley): Alison Jermak
- London (Whodunit - meets in galleries and museums): Marjorie Caine
- Milton Keynes: Emma Exelby
- North Yorkshire - Leyburn: Sarah Beveridge
- Norwich (UEA Writing Teachers): Jenifer Smith
- Occold, Suffolk: Jenifer Smith
- Oxford: Isy Mead
- Penrith: Raina Parker
- Reading: Rachel Roberts
- Stamford: Charlotte Boother
- Stevington (Bedfordshire): Tricia Lennie
This page updated by Simon Wrigley 3.2.2019
