Description
Grades 8 – 12
This advanced writing program prepares students for high-level academic and creative writing competitions, including the Scholastic Writing Awards.
The program is divided into two stages.
Phase 1 — Personal Essay & Memoir
Students learn to develop authentic personal narratives and discover their unique voice.
Key learning topics include:
• Developing strong narrative hooks
• Show-don’t-tell storytelling techniques
• Sensory writing and vivid description
• Narrative structure and emotional arcs
• Discovering deeper meaning in personal experiences
Students complete a Personal Essay draft during this phase.
Week 1 | Breaking the Template: Shedding the Formulaic Mindset
Week 2 | Sensory Storytelling: Breathing Life into Prose
Week 3 | Narrative Architecture: Structuring the Emotional Arc
Week 4 | The Soul of the Story: From Experience to Epiphany
Phase 2 — Critical Essay Writing
Students learn how to analyze social issues, literature, and cultural topics using rigorous logical argumentation.
Key learning topics include:
• Developing analytical perspectives
• Building strong thesis statements
• Constructing logical argument structures
• Using evidence and counterarguments
• Refining language precision and style
Students complete a Critical Essay suitable for writing competitions.
Week 5 | The Analytical Lens: Choosing Your Entry Point
Week 6 | Intellectual Spine: Deep Modeling and Argumentation
Week 7 | The Sculptor’s Touch: Aesthetic Elevation of Language
Week 8 | The Rule & Standard: Final Polish
By the end of the program, each student produces one/two polished pieces ready for submission.
Small Group Learning
All academic programs follow the iCreat small-group learning model.
Typical class size
5 – 10 students
This allows instructors to provide:
• Individual feedback
• Guided discussion
• Structured problem-solving training
• Personalized writing coaching
