Feedback from events

We had a great author visit with Isabel Thomas. She inspired our children and they are still talking about it.

Thanks. we booked Rachel and she came on the 25th May. We really enjoyed her sessions and the children had fun learning about what it takes to be an author.

Neal came to visit our SEND college for adults aged 19-24. He was fantastic and very engaging to all learners. He carried out a writing workshop in a creative way to ensure everyone could actively participate. It was brilliant thanks Neal, we look forward to working with you again!

Ken delivered an engaging workshop to some Y2 and Y3 pupils at our school. The children were so excited to meet a real author and Ken answered their many questions patiently. All pupils were inspired to write and loved the variety of activities they did. Ken has a lovely gentle manner with the children and they were all really keen to share what they had written with him and each other. We will definitely invite Ken back for another workshop in the future. Thank you!

Matt was fantastic. He really engaged the students with his assembly and workshops, even those who did not have a particular interest in sport. We highly recommend Matt to other schools.

Event took place on 26 April. The talk was well planned and engaged the students. I will definitely recommend Abiola to my local network of school librarians.

Sophie Ambrose was part of our virtual assembly where she shared some of her stories and illustrations with the pupils. The purpose for the visit was to amuse, enthuse and encourage our reluctant readers about the importance of reading. We believe that the visit will have a lasting impact on our pupils. Sophie introduced the idea that drawing a character is an uneven process for everyone – even her. Students learnt that their favourite books start as bad first drafts and become better through revision and feedback, and kids develop an understanding that their own writing can improve this way as well. Throughout the day each year group took part in workshops where they learnt more about the steps of story writing . Pupils drew their own interesting characters using their imagination with some of the characters being giants and some being very small. Pupils were fully engaged in the workshops and were able to ask some good questions. Cameron said: “Her drawings were interesting.” Saskia said: “ It was cool learning how to bring Characters to life.” Mackenzie said: “ It was interesting learning how to make a book.”

Simon did a really inspiring whole school assembly about not giving up, which really captured children of all ages in our school. His books also have the unique selling point of his daughter being an illustrator, which the children also loved. The workshops were really fantastic for the children to be part of, but he is probably slighter more appropriate for KS2 than KS1 in terms of workshops with his books. Either way, the kids really did enjoy having him in school as a diverse, male role model in writing and reading for them to look up to!

Ellie visited our school as part of our World Book Day activities. She was super and went down really well with children and staff alike. The children loved her books and Ellie was so inspiring when talking about the process of writing and becoming an author. We also loved the Science link through Ellie's book 'The Matilda Effect.' An excellent author visit.

The whole day was just amazing. Matt truly delivered, the pupils were engaged & didn't stop talking about for days on end. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Matt Oldfield to other schools. Our principle Rev Leach even came to me to say what a brilliant choice of author :-) I was impressed how he dedicated his time to speaking to the pupils during the lunch period too. I do hope Matt enjoyed it as much as we (Walkwood) did. Please thank him again for his time and energy. NB my library shelves are still empty of the football books, one comes in and goes straight out again.