Literary festival at Hunstanton’s Smithdon High School sees students meet author, journalist, professor and enjoy Alice in Wonderland day
A fortnight of looking at all things literature has seen students at a West Norfolk school learn more about the various forms of the written word.
With days set aside to concentrate on specific themes, students at Hunstanton’s Smithdon High School had the opportunity to take part in a range of activities designed to encourage a love of reading.
The literary festival all came to an end on Friday, March 14 with an Alice in Wonderland Day when staff at the school, a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, dressed as characters from the famous book by Lewis Carroll.
Amanda Wright, head of English and co-organiser of the festival, said: “Lunchtime activities included teacup painting, Mad Hatter hat-decorating, Pin the Crown on the Flamingo, bag or pencil-case art decorating, and riddle writing.
“Chess was also available, and Claire Pike, our head of Science, demonstrated a ‘Drink Me’ potion.
“The themed day brings books alive. It can show students that reading can indeed be fun.
“With costumes, and decorating the library in that theme, it gives students a visual of the story and brings the characters off the page. We hope that it inspires the students to actually pick up the book, if they haven’t read it before.”
Author Dan Freedman was among special guests to Smithdon during the festival and he worked with Year 7 and 8 students.
A sports journalist by profession, Dan was able to share tales of interviewing soccer stars including Ronaldo.
He is a Sunday Times bestselling author and his hugely popular series of Jamie Johnson football novels - which have been adapted by the BBC for television. He is also a motivational speaker.
“Having a published author visit and talk to those in the early years of high school about how they succeeded is important – it can motivate and inspire those that perhaps have little confidence in themselves,” said Ms Wright.
There was also a special ‘press conference’ held by Headteacher Amanda Gibbins during journalism day when the school hosted local reporter Chris Bishop.
Cambridge University professor Claire Wilkinson was also on the Smithdon guest list and she led a discussion with Year 9 and 10 students for the school’s Poetry Day.
“She also talked to the students about life beyond school, and how cool it is to go to uni, and that Cambridge isn’t as out of reach as they think – everyone has a chance if they put their minds to it,” said co-organiser Marie Taylor, school librarian.
The school's annual 500-word short story competition was also featured among events at the school’s fourth literary festival, along with a book swap and masked reader sessions.
Donations taken throughout the festival will support both the school library and the Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House based at Hillington.
