Creative writing in A level English literature

Abstract

This is a time of change and real development for creative writing at A level. Whilst it has been an important part of English Language and English Language & Literature A level specifications for some time, its presence within English Literature has been marginal, and is an option that has rarely been adopted by teachers of the subject. Recent changes to English Literature specifications, however, mean that creative writing (along with recreative and transformative writing) now exists in a much more formalised way on all A level English Literature specifications. As the largest of the three A level Englishes, this is a significant development. The advent of creative writing in English Literature makes this an important issue in teachers' Continuing Professional Development (Green, 2008) and raises important questions for the teaching body in schools and lecturers in further education. What is the role of creative writing in teaching literature? How do creative and analytical writing relate to each other? What is the relationship between creative writing and reading? This paper offers an initial response to these and other issues, and suggests some of the ways in which creative writing can be used both in its own right and to enhance the study of English Literature at A level.