Quay Words offers inspirational, place-based creative writing workshops for Key Stage 2 groups at Exeter Custom House.
We specially train local writers and practitioners to run immersive and interactive half day workshops inspired by this unique, historic building and its Exeter Quayside setting. The children are supported to explore, create, and believe in themselves as writers.
In addition to the bookable workshops, you can download a beautiful self-guided resource for teachers here, packed with ideas and activities for creative writing on visits to Exeter Quayside. We commissioned it from our partners at The Writers’ Block, who are specialists in creative education. It’s designed around Exeter Custom House and Quayside, but contains great general creative writing inspiration. We have a short film here, for you to watch with your class before you visit.
Quay Words has these options to offer you and your KS2 students:
1. HALF DAY WORKSHOPS – A half day, immersive workshop in Exeter Custom House for a group of up to 15 students. Led by our specially trained creative practitioners, the cost of the workshops is significantly subsidised by Quay Words, with support from Exeter Canal and Quay Trust and Arts Council England at £5 per head. If this cost would be a barrier for your school please still contact us to discuss options.
2. FULL DAY – Bring a class for a whole day of creative writing on Exeter Quayside. Half of the group has one of the workshops in the morning, while the other half gets writing using the self-guided resource on the Quayside. The two groups swap over after lunch. Indicative timings are: 9.45am arrival for a 10am – 12pm morning session, followed by lunch and a 12.30pm – 2.30pm afternoon session. The class would be able to use the Custom House for their lunch break.
3. SELF GUIDED, INDEPENDENT VISIT – Bring your students to the Quayside and Custom House at a time to suit you and use the self-guided resource to explore and get writing.
You can arrange options 1 and 2 directly with us by emailing quaywords@literatureworks.org.uk to book your slot or to arrange a chat about options. For option 3, visiting under your own steam, you can check the opening times of the Exeter Custom House and contact the visitor centre team here.
The available dates for the bookable workshops in the Spring are: Tuesdays and Wednesdays in February and March:
7th, 8th, 21st, 22nd and 28th February
1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th March
We can be flexible around these times so please get in touch to discuss other visiting slots. Please email us at quaywords@literatureworks.org.uk to book your slot or to arrange a chat about options.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Quayside!