The Story Works is a registered charity offering a wide variety of creative workshops. Our core offering is our story‑writing workshops for primary schools, where children bring their ideas to life through words and illustrations. We also run inspiring sessions for older children and teens, from comic creation to green‑screen filmmaking, giving young people space to use their imagination freely and express themselves through creative storytelling.
Adult workshops are available too, usually delivered as part of special events and community programmes. Keep an eye on our Events page to find out when and where our next sessions are happening.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Ages: 7 – 11
Location: Bournemouth University
Suitable Group Numbers: up to 30 children
Staff to Child Ratio: 1:5
Participants are encouraged to use their imagination to write a story together, in response to prompts given by the session leader. As they come up with ideas, the story takes shape on a large screen in front of them and the class can watch as an illustrator creates live artwork to accompany it.
In the second half of the session, the children work in small groups, aided by a writing mentor, to write and complete the second half of the story. They are also encouraged to add pictures to their story which, when completed, they share with the class. Each child goes away with a printed booklet of their story and illustrations – and their picture, as author, on the back cover.
Variations on this workshop are sometimes employed, depending on volunteer availability.
Duration: 2 hours
Age: 14-18
Location: Bournemouth University
Suitable Group Numbers: 30 max.*
Staff to Child Ratio: 1:5
* Only for students studying or interested in art
With the help of AUB illustrators, students will design a four-panel comic with an emphasis on narrative. During the first half of the session, volunteers will discuss examples of comics and the components that make one successful. Students will complete a starter activity in groups and brainstorm dialogue pieces that could be used in a comic. After lunch, students will pull from the dialogue pieces to create their own short comic.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Ages: 12 – 18
Location: Bournemouth University or at your school
Suitable Group Numbers: up to 15 children
Staff to Child Ratio: 1:5
State secondary schools are entitled to a free workshop looking at the power of poetry place and people. Baz runs sessions that are tailored specifically for secondary school students from year 7 – 13 and will look at topics like finding your own voice and increasing self-confidence; encouraging reading comprehension and critical thinking; and kindling the imagination in all points of life.
Duration: 2 hours
Age: 14-18
Location: Bournemouth University
Suitable Group Numbers: 30 max.*
Staff to Child Ratio: min. 1:5
Dive into the exciting world of scriptwriting in this fast-paced 90-minute workshop designed for secondary school students. Using short film as our starting point, participants will explore how ideas become stories on screen through a series of practical, hands-on writing challenges. Guided by experienced industry professionals, students will discover the key stages of script development, from creating compelling characters to solving story problems and shaping engaging scenes. Along the way, they’ll strengthen their creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills while learning the foundations of a craft that powers film, television and digital media across the world.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Ages: 7 – 18
Location: Bournemouth University
Suitable Group Numbers: depending on group, please enquire
Staff to Child Ratio: min. 1:5
Created by one of The Story Works’ volunteers in partnership with a local specialist school, this creative and flexible workshop is designed to inspire children with a wide range of learning needs. With the support of our experienced volunteers, who are trained to work with neurodivergent children, every participant can explore a variety of engaging activities tailored to their interests, abilities and comfort levels.
Our aim is simple: to provide a welcoming, supportive environment where every child can enjoy being creative, discover new skills and express themselves in ways that work for them.
*Before any visit takes place, we’ll work closely with schools to discuss the individual needs of participating children, ensuring the workshop is as enjoyable, accessible and rewarding as possible for everyone involved.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Ages: 12 – 15
Location: Bournemouth University
Suitable Group Numbers: max. 15
Staff to Child Ratio: min. 1:5
How to Write Scary Stories and Terrifying Tales!
Aimed at lower secondary school pupils, this workshop asks them:
Do you ever wonder why you feel scared when you read a horror story?
Why you get goosebumps and your heart beats a little faster?
All children’s and teen workshops are booked directly through their schools. If you are a parent or guardian and would like your child to take part, please speak to their teacher — they can contact us at info@thestoryworks.org to arrange a workshop for the whole class.
We also run sessions for home‑school groups, young carer organisations, and groups for adults with special needs. If you lead or coordinate one of these groups, you’re very welcome to get in touch with us at info@thestoryworks.org to organise a workshop.
At The Story Works, creativity doesn’t stop with storytelling. Many of our workshops are supported by talented student volunteers from Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth, who help children bring their ideas to life through illustration and design. These volunteers create bespoke artwork for our story booklets and develop engaging visual activities that enrich the workshop experience.
Below is a selection of front covers and illustrations created by our volunteer artists — a glimpse into the imaginative worlds children build during our sessions.
If you’re an illustrator and would like to contribute your skills to our workshops, we’d love to hear from you at info@thestoryworks.org.