Small Classes, Big Ideas: Inside Writer's Craft at Blyth Academy Burlington

One of the unique advantages of learning at Blyth Academy Burlington is the opportunity for students to have a genuine voice in their education. Small class sizes create space for meaningful discussion, personalized feedback, and the flexibility to adapt courses to the interests and strengths of the learners in the room. Last semester's Grade 11 Writer's Craft course was a perfect example of that approach in action. What began as a conversation about what students wanted to explore evolved into a dynamic learning experience that blended academic inquiry, creativity, and self-expression, allowing them to develop both their writing skills and their confidence as writers. 

Before the course even began, teacher and Head of English, Mr. Stan Cohen, asked students what they wanted to explore. That decision shaped everything that followed, turning the class into a space where academics and creativity weren't competing priorities; they went hand in hand. 

"Of course, my goal is always to help students get better and more confident with their written skills, but writing is such an open concept, so I wanted to cater it towards what students specifically wanted." 

Where Creativity Meets Academic Depth 

During the semester, students immersed themselves in complex ideas by reading academic sources on feminism, fairy tales, and literary theory. It was challenging, but purposeful. The goal wasn't simply to understand these ideas, but to use them. 

"I often tell my students that the best creators are the best consumers… I believe creativity can be taught, and that the best creators are those who constantly consume similar texts and have a strong knowledge of them." 

From there, students began applying what they learned by developing their own arguments, experimenting with voice, and creating original work that reflected both creativity and critical thinking. 

"What sets this apart from other classes is the greater focus on specific types of writing that the students are interested in," says Sama A. "This class provided me my first opportunity to analyze poetry and song lyrics, create my own original characters, and write reviews about my favourite albums." 

"English courses teach reading and interpretation, but The Writer's Craft course teaches writing by offering insight into how you can develop your own creative voice and narrative style," adds Shifaa K.  

Growth You Can See  

One of the defining features of the course was how quickly students grew, not just in skill, but in confidence. The small class size allowed for consistent, detailed feedback as students refined their writing and developed stronger creative habits. 

"With small class sizes, I find I have so much more time to thoroughly read student work and provide detailed feedback… I make sure students action my feedback so that I see daily improvements," says Mr. Cohen. 

Over time, that support translated into independence. Students began taking greater ownership of their work, pushing their thinking further and developing a stronger sense of voice. 

"The focus on referencing the work of academics in my writing…has made me prouder of my own work," says Sama A. 

For some, the shift was even more personal. 

"The Writer's Craft course, I can sincerely say, has taught me to trust my instincts again and embrace my natural cadence, and I am starting to find my authentic voice again, which makes me incredibly happy," says Shifaa K. 

From Classroom to Publication 

All of this learning culminated in the publication of a Writer's Craft Fairy Tale Anthology. Each student contributed both a high-level academic essay and an original feminist fairy tale, blending literary analysis with creative storytelling. 

Reflecting on the project, Mr. Cohen shared: 

"For the ISP students have written their own feminist fairy tale. We've seen how witches are created, the dangers of underestimating princesses, and the importance of women having a voice which is heard." 

The anthology reflected not only creativity, but depth of thought. Students drew from the theories and texts they had studied throughout the semester to create stories that explored real-world ideas, particularly around gender, identity, and representation. 

Many of the stories were rooted in personal perspectives. Izza S.'s The Lotus Bird, for example, drew on cultural influences while challenging traditional gender norms: 

"I wanted to incorporate the unfair gender norms within my story while also showing the side of strong women who go against it and are shamed by society for it." 

Even the production of the book was collaborative, with a fellow Grade 11 student designing the cover, making it a shared achievement from start to finish. 

A Classroom Culture that Encourages Risk-Taking  

Just as important was the classroom environment. Sharing creative work can feel intimidating, but in this class it became a natural part of the learning process. 

Mr. Cohen says, "Students have frequently shared their character designs and stories with each other… all presentations and ideas were celebrated and welcomed by the class. It's a really safe and inspiring learning environment." 

That sense of support made it easier for students to take risks, try new approaches, and push their thinking further. 

Writing That Stays With You 

What emerged from this classroom was more than just strong writing. It was writing that reflected perspective, curiosity, and confidence. 

Students engaged deeply with the ideas they explored. In one academic reflection, Sama A. writes: 

"It could be argued that views on women, and the level of agency they should be capable of having, have been added to the 'Cauldron of Story' for many years, shaping the way female characters are described and what impact they are allowed to have on the progression of the story." 

And in her original fairy tale, Shifaa K. captures the emotional core of the course's themes: 

"No kingdom should take pride in the monsters they create, for every Witch was once a girl begging to be heard. And every flame, however terrible, began as a spark denied a place in the sun."  

A Lasting Impact 

By the end of the semester, students left with more than a portfolio of work. They gained a clearer sense of how to express their ideas, support them with confidence, and trust their own voice. 

"I've learned so much through this course and will be able to continue to apply the new skills I've developed throughout the rest of my academic career," says Sama A. 

As Mr. Cohen looks forward to the new school year, he's eager to meet a new group of Writer's Craft students and see where their interests, ideas, and creativity take the course. With each class bringing its own perspectives and passions, every Writer's Craft experience is unique, offering students the opportunity to develop their voice while creating work they can be proud of.