In the history of Woodside High School, there has never been a creative writing class. One teacher aims to change this.
Brian Ngo is an English III teacher and the new teacher of Woodside’s creative writing elective. The elective has no prerequisite courses and is open to all grade levels, and according to Ngo, it is very different from a regular English class.
“Oftentimes in English class, we focus on argument and essay writing,” Ngo said. “I think creative writing is a nice way to look at the art of the craft and how to express yourself through language.”
This type of class, according to Ngo, is something “We’ve never explored at Woodside.” When Ngo took creative writing classes in college, he enjoyed how they were taught by a published short story writer or poet. At Woodside, this isn’t an option. Ngo explained how he aims to emulate this effect without published writers.
“The group setting [helps make these classes different],” Ngo said. “Getting feedback from other people who are also learning is very important. We’ll carry the same principles. It is the half learning, half group work that can transfer pretty well to a Woodside class.”
The creative writing class, by nature, will cover many different forms of text and media. However, Ngo is most excited to teach film in his class.
“I like the combination of so many forms of different art [in film],” Ngo said. “Screenwriting obviously is something that we will cover in the class. Cinematography, framing the shots, directing, acting, costume and set design — it is a lot of different forms of art that come together in one giant project. I really love some particular films.”
The creative writing course is in its own genre of writing electives, and it is currently the only course level and type offered.
“[This class is for] anyone who’s had any desire to create with language,” Ngo said. “Again, I want to emphasize that there is no skill set required. You don’t have to have a portfolio of poems, short stories, or novels already done. Anyone who is willing to learn or willing to work with others to learn with them would be a good fit for this class.”
According to Ngo, students miss out on aspects of writing in a regular English class. This stems from how the class is structured, but creative writing will be structured differently.
“I think [this class] is important because I really do think that there is an artistic side to writing,” Ngo said. “In your normal English class, you approach it very analytically; I’m taking apart this piece of writing, and I don’t think many students have had practice creating. I think it shows a side of English that you often don’t get to experience in a normal English class.”
