SUMMER WRITING
SCHOOL
SUMMER WRITING SCHOOL 2026
January 12-16
ARA City Campus, ÅŒtautahi Christchurch
Details and Book Here
About Summer Writing School for Teens
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Write On Summer Writing School for Teens is administered by Write On School for Young Writers in Christchurch. It is a safe and inclusive space where young writers at all stages of their writing journey can flourish.
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From last year's young writers:
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" Best week of the holidays! I enjoyed it a lot and I'm really excited to continue coming until I can't!"
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" In many ways, going to these summer schools has changed my life— they’ve taught me so much and allowed me to meet so many amazing people, both peers and tutors, who I never would’ve crossed paths with otherwise."
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"I would do this instead of school if it were an option."
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We ran our first Summer Writing School in January 2017, and each year since has seen keen young writers attend for a full week of writing alongside like-minded peers — many returning year after year.
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If you are aged between 13-19, then you are eligible to register for Summer Writing School for Teens. If you are still 12 but will be in Year 9 in 2026, then we count you as an honorary teenager — go ahead and register. If you have just turned 20 and still want to be an honorary teenager, then go ahead and register. We aren't going to quibble over a month here or there.
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Classes are based at the ARA city campus in Christchurch and run from 10:00-3:30, followed by a snack and chat time until soon after 4:00.
Each day from Monday to Thursday, young writers will engage in a different full-day workshop exploring an aspect of writing with an expert tutor.
On the final day, Friday, they will have the opportunity for 1:1 mentoring as they redraft and polish their work. We conclude with a celebration of readings and performances from both tutors and students, to which whanau and friends are invited.
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Please note that this is not a residential school. Students from out of town will need to organise their own accommodation and meals. Christchurch offers plenty for family members who may want to join you!
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Please contact our administrator, Sarina, with any queries: schoolforyoungwriters@gmail.com
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WHAT WE DO FOR OUR YOUNG WRITERS...
ENCOURAGE
young writers to find and develop their own voice and style
INSPIRE
young writers to participate in the creative process of writing so they can express their ideas with confidence
ENABLE
young writers to experience the power and enjoyment of accomplishing writing tasks
GUIDE
young writers through the process of preparing their writing for publication to bring their work to more people