Details
Kate Scott is an experienced provider of highly interactive, energetic, inspiring and informative workshops and talks for both primary and secondary school children. She also runs writing workshops (fiction and scriptwriting) for adults. In addition to bespoke events and talks on request, Kate can offer the following workshops:
The Wolf in the Wood: A Storytelling Workshop (Suitable for Y2–Y7)
Beginning with some interactive drama exercises, the workshop develops into a demonstration of how even the dullest of beginnings can be turned into a compelling story. Participants learn some storytelling ‘tricks of the trade’ and, led by Kate, take part in a team storytelling exercise that ends up in the wildest of destinations! Invariably leaves kids buzzing with possibilities and ideas.
Inventions and Revolting Recipes (Suitable for Y1–Y6)
Building on the theme of inventions (and disgusting sounding food!) in Just Jack, children make up their own wacky inventions and discover how crucial creative thinking is to everyday life. Participants are also invited make suggestions for the World’s Most Disgusting Menu (Brussel sprout ice cream, anyone?)! This workshop conveys to participants how the subjects of maths, science and history can become rich sources of storytelling ideas and how creativity is a vital resource for us all.
Heroes and Villains (Suitable for Y1–Y6)
A fun (and funny!), highly energetic, and interactive workshop based on comic-strip superheroes and villains. Building on the comic-strips which feature in Giant, children will be invited to create their own comic-strip characters and storylines – from the heroic to the hilarious! The themes of friendship, self-belief and self-acceptance are woven into the entertaining activities.
How Does It Feel? (Suitable for Reception–Y9)
A workshop developed to support the work of the charity EmpathyLab and linking to PSHE topics. Using situations from Giant, Just Jack and other relevant works (depending on the age of the participants), this workshop combines interactive/drama exercises and discussion to: develop children’s understanding of empathy; learn how to deal with challenging situations (e.g. bullying, anxiety); increase their interpersonal skills; and develop their self-confidence and ability to express their emotions. The workshop material is adapted to suit a variety of ages. A fun approach to serious subjects!
If I Ruled the World (Suitable for Reception–Y6)
An interactive, inspiring and practical workshop about poetry. Participants will be introduced to a selection of poets and have the opportunity to look at the techniques used to make poems funny/sad/thought-provoking. Students will also take part in a variety of fun drama exercises which demonstrate the effectiveness of similes and metaphors. By the end of the session the group will have produced two or more poems together. A workshop that involves playful but educational explorations of language.
From Page to Screen (Suitable for Y5–Y13)
A workshop about television writing – how does a story end up on screen? Participants will write – and perform – short scenes and learn the basics of good storytelling in scriptwriting. They will be introduced to the idea of splitting a story into acts and how best to visually capture and convey a narrative. Older years will have the opportunity to ask questions about pursuing a career in this field. NB This workshop can also be run as an after-school club over a number of weeks so that participants can delve into the area more thoroughly.
Skype sessions are also offered.
Fees
Fees vary according to what is required, the location of the event/workshops and whether other local schools can book an event for the following or preceding day and so can share the costs. Please contact me for details.
Lower fees may apply for a single whole-school talk (followed by a Q&A and book signing) if not at a great distance to me.
Travel expenses will also apply. I am happy to travel abroad as well as anywhere within the UK.
I offer a discount to schools within forty miles of Bridport, Dorset.
About Kate
Kate Scott has written over 25 books for Penguin Random House, Oxford University Press, Pearson, HarperCollins, Hodder and Piccadilly Press. Her books have been translated into several languages. Kate Scott’s latest books, published by Piccadilly Press, are Giant and Just Jack (for the 8–12s). The first book in Kate’s Spies in Disguise series, Boy in Tights, won a Lancashire Fantastic Book Award. Giant has been nominated, long- and short-listed for four regional awards and Just Jack has been shortlisted for two awards to date. As well as a children’s author, Kate is a scriptwriter who has written over 40 scripts for children’s television, including the flagship shows CHUGGINGTON and BIG AND SMALL. Kate is also a published poet and a playwright whose work has been performed at the Kings Place, London, Salisbury Festival, Salisbury Theatre Studio and at the Pleasance Theatre in London. She has taught creative writing and is an editor and consultant for books, TV and film.
A selection of feedback from schools
‘Perfectly pitched. Held the children’s interest for the whole time. Literacy has never been such fun!’ Loders Primary School
‘The children returned to the classroom buzzing with ideas and eager to put pen to paper.’ Parrett & Axe Primary School
‘What a delightful day for the children. The children were really engaged and keen to demonstrate their creativity during well structured and imaginative activities.’ Mark Gundry, Shute Primary School, Devon
‘One child said, “I want to be an author when I grow up” another said, “I love playing with words and ideas.” We have highly creative children in our school but you gave them a vehicle to express their creativity and ideas. Thank you so much and it would be great to work with you again.’ Clare Rinaldi, Head of School, Shute Primary, Devon
‘I just wanted to say a big thank you for yesterday, and to let you know how much the children enjoyed your visit.’ Helen Slater, Bourne Primary School, Ruislip
‘Thank you very much for all of your time, hard work and effort today with our Junior School pupils. They had a fantastic time and there was a lovely atmosphere around the school today. It has been a pleasure to welcome you to our school and I hope that we see you again in the future! Our headmaster, Richard Milner-Smith, was impressed!’ Jamal Babur, Moyles Court School
‘Thank you so much for the visit today, I have been speaking with the teachers and all year groups absolutely loved your workshops! The children really engaged with the activities and it was wonderful to see them so excited about story telling.’ Sarah Jewell, Ernesettle Primary School
A selection of quotes about Kate’s books
‘Fresh and funny . . . a book that celebrates friendship and the power of being true to yourself.’ Frank Cottrell-Boyce on Giant
‘Giant is a brilliant book – a real “feel good” read with a giant heart!’ North Somerset Teachers’ Book Awards longlist review (book now shortlisted)
‘This is a wonderful and humorous story about not fitting in, and eventually discovering that what matters is knowing what you want to do. And that’s not necessarily to do with stature ... You will love Anzo.’ Bookwitch on Giant
‘This is a compassionate story told with the right balance of humour and poignancy and one that is likely to strike a chord with readers who have experienced the tension between fitting in and feeling free to be themselves.’ Books for Topics on Giant
‘A perfect read for eights and ups. It would be a particularly good addition in school libraries and for any teacher trying to find a book that tackles the subject of fitting in. It reminded me a little of Wonder, but perhaps for slightly younger readers.’ Katy Wheatley, Making them Readers, on Giant
‘A hilarious, pitch-perfect story’ Pam Norfolk, Lancashire Evening Post on Boy in Tights
‘A truly imaginative and very funny story’ Armadillo Magazine on Boy in Tights
‘As with Kate Scott's previous novel Giant, there is a lot more to this little book than a fun plot. The author gently weaves sensitive subjects through the storyline such as divorce, identity, letting go, moving on and “fitting in” leaving the reader wondering, is the safe option always the best one? While Just Jack is a story any and every child will enjoy, if you have or know one whose life has recently changed, this is an absolute must read for them.’ Julia Thum on Just Jack
‘a beautiful impressive story . . . Just Jack is clever, surprising, charming, informative and a lot of fun.’ Suze Lavender, With Love for Books
kate29scott@hotmail.com Tel: 01308 423 840 or 07758 743 747
