Wander into A Writing 12 Wilderness

3 February 2023Neve M, Hope ‘23

The one thing that sets boarding schools miles apart from regular schools is … academics at all hours. At Brentwood, these extra hours are utilized to the fullest extent, preparing students for a college experience. A full day of classes is followed by math and chem help – some courses even extend into the evening. An example of this unique schedule is PPE, the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics course that takes place at 7:30 pm every Thursday.

There is one course, though, that never ends. It’s year round and can be done at any time. This most mystical and enigmatic course at Brentwood is Writing 12.

The contents of Writing 12 are so divergent from any other academic course that most students explain that it doesn’t feel like homework. “Writing in my journal never feels like homework. It is something I do a lot, even without being in Writing 12. I even forgot that Writing 12 shows up on my report card. It is one of my favourite courses because of its contrast to any other English course I’ve taken” Abby D, Allard ‘23 states.

Students have monthly assignments. Mr Collis, Head of English, varies the assignments with his creativity. This month required an homage assignment, mimicking your favourite author in their writing style. Students are obliged to keep a journal, updated with 14 new entries each month.

As much as this course seems effortless for some, the work adds up. Since no in-class time is offered and some Grade 12s choose Writing 12 as their sixth course, the work can be strenuous on top of other homework assignments. “It is absolutely worth it though. I would recommend this course to anyone and everyone who enjoys writing. The work is pleasant and gratifying to complete” explains Maxine P, Alex ‘23.

The history of Writing 12 is just as interesting as the course itself. Mr Collis is happy to explain the story to anyone who asks – even some who don’t. In his Grade 12 year, Mr Collis Handford (biological and spiritual heir to Mr Paul Collis) better known around campus as TCH, desired to creatively write, something uncommon in English 12 courses. Mr Collis, his father, happily designed a course to fit these parameters. Thus, Writing 12, also known as Creative Writing 12, was born, as a course that counts towards academic credit but does not have a class block.

The application of Writing 12 in post-secondary life is known to be indispensable, and Mr Collis Handford testifies to this, explaining that “Writing 12 is one of the most useful courses I’ve ever taken. The fundamentals practiced in the regimens of Writing 12 are directly applicable in every form of post-secondary schooling – even if just filling out university applications”. On a more profound note, he explains that the course delves into imperative self-expression and life lessons. “It teaches what cannot be taught as it is an experience in and of itself. If, as Macbeth suggests, “Life is a tale told by an idiot”, then what is education if not one ongoing story? And why would we not seek to hone our writing craft to clarify the hilarity of our existence and express our joys along the way?”

Mr Collis proudly describes his course as “Brentwood’s version of the Hogwarts Room of Requirement: it’s time and space — a Woolfian room of one’s own — to write, even if it’s not on the timetable and does not have a classroom”. It truly is defined by individual creativity: each assignment is what you make of it and every direction of writing can be explored. This class is a kaleidoscope of self-expression.

To conclude, Mr Collis offers a quote by a Writing 12 Alumnus Nazar Son, Privett ‘21: “Writing 12 is where brain meets soul, and the muscles connect to the idea.”

Neve M, Hope ‘23