Copy School, sponsored by The Newspaper Works and now an annual event, wrapped up another successful week during late October in Sydney.

“We quickly had a full compliment of young copywriters wanting to enrol and those who wanted to break into copywriting”, Copy School convenor Ray Black said.

“Copy School only accepts about 20 young writers in the class because of the format. No lecterns, just gutsy talks from our tutors with a vigourous Q&A throughout.”

The tutors for this year’s Copy School were: Jonathan Kneebone, Writer, Director from The Glue Society; Mark Hollands CEO of The Newspaper Works; Mark Sharman, Creative Consultant; Julian Schrieber, Executive Creative Director, Cummins and Partners; Ralph van Dijk, Founding Creative Director, Eardrum; Rowan Dean, Editor, The Spectator and Columnist, The Australian Financial Review; David Morris, Creative Consultant; Rebecca Currasco, Creative Director; and Ted Horton, Chief Creative Officer, Big Red.

“This is a concentrated line up of some of the best creative writers and creative directors in the business. Their focus is on producing the most effective copywriting for the client and they do it with great style,” Black said.

“All tutors see the worth of Copy School and unhesitatingly accept the chance to pass on their knowledge to the next generation of advertising copywriters.”

The Newspaper Works CEO Mark Hollands said: “Copy School continues to attract the best talent in the industry to give their time to teach the next generation of creative stars. The creative process is vital to the future of the advertising industry and we are pleased to be involved.”

Two creative writing assignments were given out early in the week and participants had to present their work on the Friday.

Some feedback comments from the young writers included:

“Gave insights – shared lots of knowledge that was relevant”, “Gave a new, modern viewpoint”, “Energy! Most memorable”, “Amazing energy, exciting and engaging”, “Focussed on the reality of advertising” and “Affords a completely different view of the industry.”

Copy School charges each applicant $250 for the week, with the fee donated to the Salvation Army.

The next Copy School will be held in Melbourne in April (subject to change), convened by creative consultant Mark Sharman.  Copy School will return to Sydney in October 2016.