Frequently Asked Questions
What measures are you taking to ensure face-to-face classes are COVID safe?
Inkling Writing Studio’s highest priority is ensuring the health and safety of all students and staff. Our studio at Hunters Hill is officially registered as a COVID-safe business through the NSW Government, and we are taking every practicable precaution to maintain optimal hygiene. We take seriously our duty to stay up to date and in full compliance with NSW Health directives. Current measures include:
Inkling staff will wash/sanitise their hands regularly.
Participants and staff who are unwell with any cold, flulike or known COVID-19 symptoms on the day of the workshop must not attend. If they have been in contact with anyone diagnosed or suspected of having COVID-19, they also must not attend.
Rigorous hygiene practices will be followed, including regular cleaning of surfaces (tables, chairs, bathrooms, whiteboards) before and after workshops with disinfectant, and hand washing. Major cleaning will be undertaken by venue owners. Hand sanitiser will be located at the entrance, on workshop tables and in bathrooms.
An attendance sheet is maintained for each workshop including the child's name and parent/guardian contact details.
What happens if a class is cancelled due to COVID?
Should classes need to be cancelled because of COVID restrictions, you will be refunded in full.
How are lessons run?
All classes are run by Inkling’s director, Alison Gorman. For workshops, Alison and Brigitte come together as a ‘dynamic duo’ before splitting into two groups for breakout activities.
During story craft lessons, techniques such as free writing, drawing, story webs and planners are introduced to help children write their story. They are given feedback on their drafts and taught how to revise and edit their stories as the term progresses. We produce a class book which we share with parents at a class reading at the end of term.
Each class involves a range of rich learning activities. These include book reviews, discussions, word games and quizzes. Children learn about and practice writing a range of poetry forms. Each week we learn about a different aspect of story craft. For example, how do we think of story ideas? How do we create fantastic characters and story settings?
You can find out more about Inkling’s philosophy and teachers on our About page.
How many students are there in a class?
Our online classes have 4 students maximum for Year 2. For Years 3-8 the maximum online class size is 6 students.
Our face to face classes are slightly larger, with 12-15 students per class.
During school holidays, face-to-face classes cater for a maximum of 20 students with a second teacher assisting.
What age groups do your lessons cater to?
Our term classes generally cater for students aged between 7-14 years. Sometimes we may offer workshops during school holidays for ages outside this range.
My child is older/younger than the recommended age group for a class. Can I still enrol them?
The recommended age group for classes is given as a guideline. We understand there is individual variation in writing skills and confidence. If you are unsure whether a class is suitable for your child please feel free to contact us.
How do online classes work? Are they safe?
Our online creative writing classes are run as live video classes using Zoom. Each class has its own meeting ID and password, which are emailed to parents prior to class, along with a list of online classroom guidelines.
For school holiday workshops, a PDF download of the workshop booklet is emailed to parents prior to the workshop. These booklets include instructions, suggestions and writing scaffolds to assist children during the workshop.
During term classes, a virtual classroom is created using the educational platform Class Dojo. Parents will be given a parent code and QR code. This classroom is a secure space where written work and activity instructions can be shared between the teacher, student and parents.
Will classes be recorded?
Online classes are never recorded. Teachers may be recorded during face to face classes. Students may only be recorded with parental permission.
What are Creative Kids vouchers and how can I use them?
Every child in NSW is eligible for a $100 Creative Kids voucher to use on creative activities. Inkling Writing Studio is a registered provider. To obtain a voucher for your child you can apply at Service NSW. Please note that the voucher can only be used on one occasion so it is advisable to use the voucher on classes valued at $100 or more.
What is Inkling’s Privacy Policy?
Our Privacy Policy can be found here.
Didn’t find the answers you were looking for? You might find them in the Terms & Conditions. Otherwise, please go ahead and contact us.