Education

With Children, that same sense of play is a vehicle for finding words and phrases that arise through

When creating new writing with learners, these environments provide opportunities to enhance the senses to a greater awareness; to discover innate abilities, to communicate and to develop new skills.

I have worked successfully with many Key Stage 2 groups, and above, and with children and young people outside the school setting.

I am happy to collaborate with teachers and head-teachers to suit ongoing projects and
relevant targets, but I primarily offer an ‘arts’ experience rather than an
educational approach.

Giving ongoing good feedback at all stages of the process is a high priority,
as is encouraging a love of dramatic, juicy, evocative words and provoking language, through storytelling,
poetry reading, artwork, and drama.

Working with the support of the class teacher and teaching assistants ensures that
students with additional needs receive their additional support.

I can be booked for work in schools through DAISI (Devon Arts In Schools Network)

or, Apples and Snakes, the country's leading performance poetry professional development agency.

"…an enjoyable and stimulating session for reluctant and struggling writers".
Anna Mills, teacher; Pennycross Primary School, Plymouth

“…the teachers gave extremely positive feedback and were particularly pleased by 
the positive effect (Lucy’s sessions) had on the children's perception of writing and 
writers. They were unanimous in their feeling that schools could benefit from more 
of this kind of professional input.” 

Dr. Jo Mayes, project leader, ‘Devonport Leat Project’

“I was extremely impressed with Lucy's control of 38 excited children. Her dramatic
method of eliciting words from the children was extremely effective and she used
praise and encouragement throughout the session."

Helen Langton, teacher; Meavy CE Primary School, Devon.

Young people who are motivated towards creative writing usually have their own
ideas and agendas, requesting workshops or classes with specific goals in
mind: for example, song lyrics, producing a magazine or other publication, or writing
for performance.

I am able to design issue-based sessions around such subjects such as personal
and cultural identity, womens issues, race, and gender; and am keen to work in collaboration with
other artists and performers in projects for young people.

"Tapping into the energetic loud mind of a teenager is no easy task, but it was
 "mission accomplished" by Lucy Lepchani during a creative writing workshop 
YHA Bellever. 10 students from a London college were prompted to write a short 
poem or story in their own style, language and points of view. Some of the work 
was inspirational and reflected their experience of life in a very unique way."

I am happy to consider all ideas and possibilities, and can design workshops at all levels of ability.

Workshops can take place in particular settings, or around any number of themes, that might give voice to the most important or powerful or funny or tender, of human experiences.

"Lucy Lepchani led several poetry workshops at CCANW (Centre for Contemporary Art
and the Natural World) for both school groups and families, which brought poetry to life
within a forest setting. Lucy's workshops are well organised, incorporating a wide range
of activities which create a can-do response from even the most initially reticent
of participants."

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

I am cleared at ‘Enhanced Discrimination’ level with the Home Office (police check)and can provide relevant documents. I also hold Public Liability Insurance for the purpose of teaching and performing poetry and creative writing in schools and venues such as village halls, hotels, galleries, etc.

Bookings through DAISI, WEA, and Apples and Snakes may be far less cost than independent bookings, if these agencies can meet your needs.

Outside this, minimum rates for contracting educational work are as set by the Arts Council England, which is currently around £200 per full day (school hours) or £100 per half day. My privately run events are at lower, affordable rates for participants.