Building community through writing bootcamps

Posted on: 23 October 2024 by Dr Gemma Ahearne in Blog

School of Law and Social Justice tote bags and pencils

For the third consecutive year, we were excited to host writing boot camps for our third-year students.

These sessions were initially introduced in the Creative Consultant SOCI347 module, and the following year, Dr Katy Roscoe and I co-hosted events designed specifically for students on the dissertation pathways.

This year, I am collaborating with Professor Gabe Mythen to facilitate a series of writing events that will run throughout the academic year. These sessions are about more than just writing—they aim to foster a sense of community and belonging within the cohort while providing dedicated time for research and writing. Students appreciate being treated as research colleagues in these sessions. This approach not only offers a fresh perspective on learning but also encourages students to take control of their own research schedules.

Treasa Kearney and I recently explored the importance of physical spaces in a post-pandemic world in Time Higher Education. We argued that students need safe environments to form friendships, build networks, and establish collegiate relationships with staff. Writing boot camps create a semi-formal learning atmosphere, complete with hot drinks, pastries, and a balanced programme of breaks to encourage conversation, alongside focused Pomodoro sessions for writing.

Students are powerful changemakers, and in previous years, many have set up their own mini boot camps and writing circles, inspired by the lecturer-led events. This student-led activity plays a crucial role in tackling loneliness and promotes mental health and wellbeing, which are integral to the academic journey.

As Lisa Anderson and I have discussed in WonkHe, universities act as "third spaces"—places for social engagement and personal transformation. By offering writing sessions outside traditional teaching hours, we demonstrate our commitment to student care and our readiness to meet students where they are, creating a more flexible and supportive learning environment.

Finally, a special thanks to our events team, Michael and Rachel, whose dedication makes these bootcamps possible.

About the Author

Dr Gemma Ahearne is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Student Engagement Lead for SSPC, Faculty Lead for Community and Belonging, and member of the Liverpool Learning Framework development group. Please email her with any questions or collaboration opportunities.