Gothic Tales

Posted at 11:11 am on 22nd January, 2020

Year 7 Gothic Writing Workshop

In December, Year 7 students visited the John Rylands Library in Manchester for a writing workshop with a difference!

Students first explored the architecture of the neo-gothic building and learned about it’s Victorian history, before touring the library and examining historic books and artefacts on display.

Using the architectural setting to inspire their creative writing, students were challenged to write in a Gothic style. 

The term Gothic fiction refers to a style of writing, which began in the mid 1700s, that is characterised by elements of fear, horror, and gloom, as well as romantic elements, such as nature, individuality, and very high emotion. 

Leader of Key Stage 3 English, Mr Magdzinski, said:

“Students were inspired by the atmosphere of the setting and used what they learnt in the workshop to create some excellent pieces of Gothic writing.”

Within the workshop, students practiced fiction techniques used by writers to create a bank of descriptions, learned how to develop realistic characters and create atmospheric prose.

Year 7 student William, said:

“It was an amazing experience; I enjoyed seeing such old books and how the library has lasted over so many years.”