Fife students have the write stuff!

The students now have their work in print after the Scottish Qualifications Authority launched a brand new collection of creative writing, from a number across Scotland who have completed English courses over the past year.

The book, Write Times 2, compiles essays, prose, poetry, and drama written by candidates as part of their English courses at National, Higher, and Advanced Higher level, and also includes selected work from students who have achieved the Creative Industries: Media and Communication Higher National Certificate at college.

Featured in the book is Gemma Heneghan of Kirkcaldy High School. The National 4 student used a visit to a fast food restaurant to show that small details can add together to make a bigger picture.

Another highlight comes from Bell Baxter High School’s Juliet Downes. who keeps the reader gripped in her essay inspired by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, while Anstruther student Morgan McAlpine-Wemyss tackled the issue of cyberbullying when she wrote her drama piece.

The book has received the backing of a number of renowned writers; among them the Scots Makar Jackie Kay; journalist turned novelist Anna Smith; dramatist and artistic director of the Tron Theatre, Andy Arnold; and broadcaster Kaye Adams.

Writing in her introduction to the poetry section of Write Times 2, Jackie Kay said: “Here’s a fantastic selection of poetry – ambitious, inspiring and very moving, these poems clearly demonstrate the instinctive power of poetry. They revel in great insight, and give me faith and hope for the future.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also offered her support for the project.

“Now, more than ever, it is important for young people to be able to express their thoughts, feelings and ideas with confidence,” she said in the book.

“It is heartening to see the young writers in Write Times 2 engaging with the issues facing us, and giving their views with such thoughtfulness, intelligence and sensitivity.”