I also wanted to say thank you again, this (Creative Theatre) has been one of my favourite Dreaming Spires courses, it was so amazing. I learnt a lot and it was just fun being in class each week, so thank you. It also helped me with my a level choices, so thanks for that as well! :) AD June 2023
Short Stories and Novellas
The main aims of this course are to introduce students to short stories from a wide range of authors, from classics from Somerset Maugham, O Henry, Bierce, and DH Lawrence, to modern authors such as Bradbury, Helen Dunmore, Kazuo Ishiguro and Penelope Lively to name a few.
Short stories offer a bite size way of exploring a marvellous range of genre and classic authors. They are engaging, offering an open door to highly crafted texts, so students can jump right into the nuts and bolts of great literature and develop valuable skills in close reading before they are asked to perform close readings in the (much larger) space of a novel. Their length is great for building confidence. Short stories are also great family reads.
The length of the works means lessons can be scaffolded to support students with specific learning needs, or those who find longer text overwhelming at this stage. They are short enough to encourage re-reading and mastery of the text.
The homework each week is to read one short story, or manageable section of a longer story. From this they will write a short summary, answer one discussion question based on a selected passage, and attend a one-hour webinar where, mostly, the tutor talks on the mic and students type in the chatbox. Twice a year, they will be assigned presentations to take over some of the teaching.
For the add-on writing extension, students have an additional 1/2-hour webinar and generally an extra 2 hours per week on homework as we focus on building reading and writing skills for a solid foundation in English language and literature study. It makes use of the texts we read in the main course, and offers specific introductions to many forms of transactional writing. These include how to identify key facts for summary writing as well as choices one makes to produce journals, reports, interviews, magazine articles, and descriptive writing - all are types of texts that can be found on the Cambridge IGCSE while being quite sensible writing styles for everyday living, too.
Particularly useful for those under 13 or those who may need extra support in their learning journey. It will create invaluable foundations in mature reading skills, critical thinking, and written expression whether a student is following a UK or US pathway for their education.
Duration: 30 weeks
Fees : £410 each course
Add on: £175
Inspire your child’s creativity with our engaging and supportive creative writing course. Designed to help teens develop their unique voice and writing style, this course encourages self-expression without rigid rules or a ‘right way’ to write. Through short stories, screenplays, radio plays, and poetry, students will build confidence, refine their craft, and develop valuable skills in time management and creative thinking. With personalised feedback, they’ll grow as writers in a nurturing and dynamic environment.
Designed for younger secondary students or those who prefer exploring literature in shorter, accessible sections
Our course unfolds over three structured 10-week modules, each focusing on poetry, narrative writing, or playwriting. At the end of each module, students compile a portfolio of original work and reflections, celebrating their progress and creative journey.
With expert guidance, they’ll refine their writing across different genres, experiment with style, and receive constructive feedback from both peers and Miss Jenny. Along the way, they’ll also develop essential skills in time management, critical thinking, and creative discipline.
Students engage in a mix of creative and reflective tasks, including set reading, research activities, and writing exercises. These range from short discussion responses to termly projects, including optional fine art experimentation. Designed to be engaging, manageable, and fun, each task supports their development as a writer while encouraging exploration and creative risk-taking.
This course enhances key skills in critical thinking, communication, and creativity, helping students ‘read like a writer’ and analyse texts with deeper insight. Collaborative activities foster teamwork and self-expression, boosting confidence and literacy skills essential for academic success.
For UK students, this course is a valuable complement to English GCSE research and an excellent foundation for those considering Film Studies (scriptwriting coursework).
Duration: 30 weeks
Fees : £410 each course
Dreaming Spires Art Appreciation courses introduce students to the fascinating world of visual arts. Designed for curiosity and exploration, this course—The Power of Looking Widely: Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture—takes a thematic approach to art history, making connections across time, cultures, and artistic movements.
Through engaging discussions, we’ll explore intriguing questions such as: What links the Parthenon to the present day? Why do equestrian statues continue to inspire modern artists? And how does Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People echo ancient sculptures of Nike?
Students will develop the confidence to ‘read’ art in a broader historical and social context, gaining insight into how artistic traditions connect different eras long before modern communication networks existed. This course welcomes all students—no prior knowledge required—just curiosity and a willingness to see the world through art’s lens.
We begin by building a "toolbox" of formal analysis, helping students develop the skills to compare artworks across time by theme, subject, form, function, historical context, and the evolving role of artists in society.
Each week, Miss Jenny will introduce a key topic in the live webinar, encouraging students to engage with visual culture in new ways. Assignments range from narrative responses to creative reinterpretations and longer projects, allowing students to uncover hidden talents and refine their analytical skills.
Students will engage in a mix of structured yet creative tasks, including set reading, research, and written responses. Weekly assignments are designed to be engaging, manageable, and thought-provoking, encouraging students to develop their vocabulary, structured writing, and critical thinking skills while having fun with the material.
Art History enhances observation, analysis, and critical thinking—skills that benefit students across all subjects, including science. In fact, some medical schools in the US now require Art History as part of their training to improve diagnostic skills.
For UK students, this course is a valuable complement to Art GCSE research and an excellent foundation for those considering A-level Art History or Fine Art in the future. Whether your child’s interests lie in the humanities or sciences, this course provides a rich, interdisciplinary perspective on the world.
Duration: 30 weeks
Fees : £410 each course