This event was initiated by Rob Stannard in the Department of Education at Keele University. It was linked to a major project at Keele, which has involved writer Janni Howker working both with trainee teachers at the university and teachers and their pupils in a number of schools. A full report of the project is being written.

Speakers at the event included Rob Pope, Cliff Yates and Nick McGuinn. We hope to publish versions of their talks in the NAWE magazine, together with the introductory talk by Rob Stannard, which provided an excellent context for the varied debate during the day.

The discussions finally focused in on the current question as to the merits of a GCSE/A Level qualification in creative writing. Needless to say, opinions were divided. Anyone wishing to put forward their own opinions on this matter, together with any other comment concerning the future of English teaching in secondary schools, should do so before the end of July via the QCA website: www.qca.org.uk/english21/