Polytechnic must look at the way ahead

Dunedin teacher and writer Jenny Powell calls for ways to be found to save the courses threatened at Aoraki Polytechnic's Dunedin campus.

A few years ago now, in the days when a wonderful range of night classes were offered, the late Charles Croot ran his creative writing course at Kaikorai Valley College.

The classes were part of the adult education programme that enabled a range of people to develop new skills and to continue life-long learning.

The removal of these opportunities is another story altogether, but many of Mr Croot's creative writing graduates have gone on to publish books and receive awards and recognition nationally and internationally.

Of course not everyone joins a creative writing course to become a professional writer.

Not everyone has that necessary core talent, but increasing literacy, developing writing skills, meeting like-minded people and improving self-confidence are just a few of the reasons why people join creative writing groups.

Being able to record your life story is a frequent motivation.

I recall a group member in her late 70s who was sure she could never string a sentence together.

As the course progressed she mesmerised us with stories of her incredible upbringing.

She went on to win a national writing award.

As groups develop a cohesive identity, difficult emotions and memories often surface through the act of writing.

Expressions of these can allow participants to move on and gain control of their experiences.

This is important for writers; think of the memorable books and poems you've read that revolve around life's difficulties.

And for me, seeing poetry-avoidant adults gradually falling in love with word images and sounds is one of life's great rewards.

After the change in funding formula and consequent removal of most night classes, it was a relief that Aoraki Polytechnic continued to offer creative writing.

Although the target group was different, the opportunity to study writing in Dunedin still existed.

In a city seeking Unesco City of Literature status, it is logical and necessary that this should be so.

To hear of Aoraki's proposed course cuts in Dunedin, including creative writing, is a shock.

Certainly, budgetary restraints are being imposed in the education sector.

Unfortunately it seems likely that the next government will attempt to further eradicate educational options and persist in promoting academic directions in previously practical subjects.

This is where Aoraki Polytechnic must stand strong.

Instead of cutting communication studies, retaining and actively promoting these practically based courses is necessary.

What is the option to developing film and television skills in Aoraki's Dunedin campus? Studying "the historical framework of media studies and the emergent contemporary discourses that define the discipline?" There's nothing wrong with that if you're academically inclined.