Here's an outline schedule for the three days, covering poetry, prose and drama -  but we'll move where the interest takes us. We'll situate texts in their socio-political contexts, and I expect to draw upon insights from psychoanalysis. 

There'll be games, creative activities, debates - and of course writing exercises, in the hope that every one has something they feel proud of to submit for the competition by the end of the week. 

This course is free and open to all high-attaining year 12 students at KHS who enjoy the power of language and would value the opportunity to study - intensively and collaboratively - at one of London's most inspiring locations, with an experienced and educated facilitator. We'll try and find a pace that works for everyone, but expect to stretch your attention-span, deepen your ability to concentrate, and to be creative in making connections between different texts and your lived experience.

Please read and mull over this extract from a recently published novel I discovered the other day, The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, which helpfully sets the scene for the course in a dozen pages or so.

Feel free to email me with any thoughts or questions etc: robin@theutopiaworkshop.co.uk