Self-paced online courses

Our online courses offer young people the time to explore writing through fun, engaging prompts and activities – whether it’s poetry, prose or any other kind of writing they want to develop. 

 

All of our online courses for young people are completely free, and entirely online and at your own pace. We have identified recommended age ranges below, but please note that these are advisory, and participation is at the discretion of parents/carers.

Ages 6–12 years

Story Prompts for Young Writers (6+ years)

Inspire young writers to unleash their creativity with this collection of fun and imaginative story prompts. Taking inspiration from Snap the Dragon and the mysterious Strangers of Norfolk, these prompts encourage children to explore storytelling with confidence and curiosity.

Free Writing Course
Self-Paced Course
Young people
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All The World’s A Stage (6–9 years)

Isabelle King guides you in creating a Tudor-inspired story to perform for Queen Elizabeth I and her dog! You’ll learn about the fascinating history of the Tudors, develop a character, setting, poem, title, and an exciting story beginning.

Free Writing Course
Self-Paced Course
Young people
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Jurassic Words (8–11 years)

What would you write in a poem to a dinosaur? Be inspired by Dippy the Dinosaur in this series of three fun and imaginative activities. Aimed at Key Stage 2, the activities can be completed in full or used individually as creative lesson starters or engaging home writing tasks.

Free Writing Course
Self-Paced Course
Young people
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Writing Scary (11+ years)

Let Adam Z. Robinson guide you through the art of writing spine-chilling stories. Discover how to build tension, create unforgettable monsters, and draw on real-life experiences to bring your horror tales to life… if you dare!

Free Writing Course
Self-Paced Course
Young people
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All My Friends are Superheroes (9–12 years)

In this course, you’ll create your very own superhero story with help from Daisy Henwood. Start by thinking about the small things that make you special and turn them into superhero powers! You’ll build a unique character profile and use it to write your own story.

Free Writing Course
Self-Paced Course
Young people
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The Magic of Language (9–12 years)

Discover the magic of words! Explore how language is always changing, uncover cool old words, and start your very own language diary. Through challenges, prompts and creative writing activities, you’ll learn how to turn ideas into poems, stories, and songs.

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Free Writing Course
Self-Paced Course
Young people
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Poetry & Paradise (9–12 years)

What’s your idea of paradise — a beach, a treehouse, or somewhere only you can imagine? Read awesome poems, then use them to spark your own creative ideas. You’ll learn how to dodge boring clichés, try exciting freewriting games, and create poems that are 100% yours.

Free Writing Course
Self-Paced Course
Young people
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Writing Interesting Characters (10–12 years)

What makes a character feel real — like they could walk right out of a book? In this course, you’ll find out! You’ll learn how to give your characters strengths, flaws, and personalities that make them believable. You’ll also explore how to create a unique ‘voice’ so they sound like themselves. By the end, you’ll have characters ready for exciting adventures in your own stories.

Free Writing Course
Self-Paced Course
Young people
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Writing Boudica (10–12 years)

Step into ancient Britain in this Iron Age adventure! Learn to structure a story while exploring real history, rebellion, and unforgettable characters.

Free Writing Course
Self-Paced Course
Young people
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Writing Lyrics (9–12 years)

Learn the basics of song writing, from exploring spoken word to building a catchy chorus that sticks in your head. You’ll learn creative tips, discover how to shape your ideas into music, and get advice for continuing your musical journey.

Free Writing Course
Self-Paced Course
Young people
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Ages 13–17 years

How to Write Weird (13–17 years)

Step into a world where stories get strange. Mash up myths, twist fairy tales, and dream up bizarre ideas that actually work.

Free Writing Course
Self-Paced Course
Young people
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Art in a Time of Crisis (13–17 years)

Discover how writing can be more than self-expression. You’ll use words as powerful tools for change, imagining and inspiring a brighter, fairer future for everyone.

Free Writing Course
Self-Paced Course
Young people
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Bodies of Work: Writing Poems (13–17 years)

Through a blend of drawing and writing, learn to craft vivid, powerful poems rooted in your own feelings and experiences. Explore the magic of rhyme schemes, discover how sound shapes meaning, and learn techniques to make your poetry resonate.

Free Writing Course
Self-Paced Course
Young people
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Writing Spoken Word Songs (13–17 years)

Learn the art of spoken word song writing! Explore how storytelling brings music to life, how to create vivid imagery that sticks in listeners’ minds, and how to craft a memorable chorus..

Free Writing Course
Self-Paced Course
Young people
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Writing Interesting Characters (13–17 years)

What makes a character truly come alive on the page? Cara Marks will lead you through a number of exercises to help you design interesting and realistic characters for your stories.

Free Writing Course
Self-Paced Course
Young people
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How do online courses work?

Our self-paced activities contain a mixture of reading and fun creative writing exercises.

We have partnered with digital learning platform Teachable to host our courses.

Click to read more about how courses are structured and what equipment you may need.

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Get in touch!

Got a question? Not sure what’s right for your child?

If you want to find out more about how our courses work and whether a course is right for a young person, click here.

If you still have questions, get in touch with the learning team by email [email protected] or phone (+44) 01603 877177 between our working hours of 9am – 5pm BST, Monday to Friday.

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National Centre for Writing | NCW
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