Teaching Screenwriting in Further Education

Or … enhance your knowledge of screenwriting in order to inspire students to write powerful stories for the screen …

Course Overview

Most A Level, BTEC and Diploma courses in Film, Television and Media Studies feature at least one element of screenwriting; even some English courses have the option of writing a script for the screen. More recently, the Extended Project has given students the opportunity to undertake a longer piece of screenwriting, and a number are actively taking advantage of this. However, when it comes to teaching screenwriting on such courses, many tutors feel that they lack experience and lack an awareness of appropriate pedagogical practices.

This one-day course is thus designed to promote elements of best practice to those teaching screenwriting in wider Film, Television, Media and English contexts. It will cover the basics of screenwriting – the core, genetic make-up of any screenplay – and explore ways that teaching and learning scenarios can be successful. It will also provide delegates with action plans for developing their own teaching.

Key Content

The fabric of storytelling; narrative structure; character creation and execution; genre; visual grammar; dialogue; helping students to develop ideas; encouraging students to write; giving effective feedback; mapping ideas into the curriculum.

Course Delivery

This one-day course, a partnership between Bournemouth University (BU) and the National Association of Writers in Education, will be delivered at a purpose-built conference centre in the heart of Bournemouth. The day will take an interactive format that will enable delegates to share ideas and experiences. Formal lectures and presentations will be complemented by lively discussions and screenings of visual materials. Further reading resources will also be provided.

The National Association of Writers in Education is the one organisation supporting the development of creative writing of all genres and in all educational and community settings throughout the UK. Through their publications, events and online resources, you can benefit from the work of their extensive membership network.

Course Tutor

This course will be delivered by Dr Craig Batty, Senior Lecturer in Screenwriting at Bournemouth University. He is a writer and script consultant, and has worked on various short film, feature film and television projects. Craig has written numerous articles and book chapters about screenwriting and media writing, for both the popular and academic market. He is the co-author of two books: Writing for the Screen: Creative and Critical Approaches, and Media Writing: A Practical Introduction. He is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

When, Where and How Much?

This course will take place on Saturday 2nd October in Bournemouth at BU’s Executive Business Centre. The cost of this course is £120 (or £60 for those subsidised by the NAWE) The fee includes the cost of lunch and refreshments.

Who should take this course?

The course is aimed predominantly at those working in Further Education, but will also be beneficial for school teachers, freelance tutors and less-experienced lecturers in Higher Education.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course; just a passion to learn more about screenwriting for the benefit of your students.

How to book?
Bookings can be made electronically or by post/fax. Please download a booking form.