3 March 2022
Over the past two weeks, we have hosted fascinating and entertaining talks, readings and book signings by the Carnegie awarded author Anthony McGowan, Carnegie nominated Julian Sedgwick and the hugely successful performance poet Mike Garry.
Mrs Dearden's year 9 class petitioned our Librarian Mr Bruen earlier in the year to bring in Anthony McGowan after they had enjoyed reading his books in English lessons. He delivered some excellent workshops with large groups of Year 8, 9 and 10 students in the Library throughout the day. He also hosted a special workshop with his fans from 9T and Mrs Dearden. Anthony really appreciated meeting such a knowledgeable group and said, "I really enjoyed the day, and the pupils were a delight. But I most loved talking to the 9T group. I’ll remember them all as long as I live."
Mr Bruen, our Librarian thought that Julian Sedgwick's Carnegie nominated Tsunami Girl (illustrated by Chie Kutsuwada) would appeal to lovers of Manga and anyone who wanted to read something special to help get them through difficult times. The sessions also tied in with our Yr.8 Geography Department who started to study natural disasters. Julian's story-telling skills combined with his knowledge, experience and understanding of Japan painted a vivid picture for our learners across two days in the Library. The talk wove geography, geology, history, plate-tectonics with Japanese myth and ghost stories together beautifully.
Head of Year 11, Mrs Boyle suggested that we invite Manchester's performance poet Mike Garry ("God is a Manc") after seeing him on stage with the punk poet John Cooper Clarke. Mike's performance poetry and delivery challenged our older students on Friday. While it was a serious recital about the importance of reading as a key to success in life, Mike also had students and staff laughing out loud with his poems and punchy Northern delivery.
Although we couldn't give every student a signed copy of the books, 350 students did walk away with a signed keepsake and signed copies of Julian's book are available on ParentPay over the coming week.
