Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, Thornton College hosted the MK Schools Lit Fest in October, where primary and secondary schools from Milton Keynes and Northampton were invited to take part in an exciting day of author workshops.
Thornton utilised its great facilities and hosted author presentations in the Sports Hall and meet-the-author book signings in the Library.
Jo Scott, Head of Careers, worked with the MK Lit Fest Team and Waterstones to provide an experience available to all children in the local area.
“We know that literary festivals host children’s authors, but we wanted to provide an innovative event which meant that children were not dependent on parents to take them and the talks would be part of the school day,” said Jo.
Leaflets were placed in local libraries and sent to schools, leading to 16 schools signing up, with children ranging from four to 18 years old.
The day blasted off with Steve Cole showcasing his new book, ‘Astrosaurs: Mission to Infinity.’ Steve is a bestselling author of more than 200 books and has worked on fiction titles for Doctor Who and the Young Bond series. His presentation was high energy and the Key Stage 1 children who attended absolutely loved it.
All students had the opportunity to purchase the books from Waterstones, signed and dedicated by the four authors involved. No one, however, went away empty handed as Thornton provided bookmarks, signed by the authors, for every student.
Fran Broadbent, a teacher from Swallowfield School said: “It was an absolutely fabulous day! Our children will remember it forever.”
Nat Harrison presented her book, ‘The Girl who Raced Round the World,’ and took Key Stage 2 children on a literary voyage inspired by Jules Verne’s classic ‘Adventure Around the World in Eighty Days.’ Students were encouraged to think about what they might need to pack into a story telling suitcase.
Nat was thrilled with the day and the opportunity to meet so many young people in one setting and said: “Thank you so much to Thornton for hosting such a wonderful event! The engagement from students and all the staff was amazing, what an incredible place Thornton College is. I hope you are so proud of the MK Lit Fest, it’s such an honour to be part of such a great initiative.”
Students flocked to the Library to meet Nat afterwards, and Steph Marum, Head of St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School said: “Thornton’s dedication to opening children’s eyes to what is out there really is amazing.”
Bex Hogan shared two of her novels, Nettle and Owl King, both steeped in fairy tales and folklore, with Key Stage 3 students.
Georgina Stapleton, Director of Literacy at The Hazeley Academy brought groups to two of the sessions and said afterwards: “Our girls had a fantastic time – they felt special and celebrated and really inspired.”
The final session of the day was an interview with Lizzie Damilola Blackburn by Flora Rees from MK Lit Fest.
Lizzie’s book, The Re-Write, explores the challenges of family, social media, self-confidence, masculinity and romance. Students from Years 10 to 13 took part in an extended Q and A with Lizzie, and asked some fascinating questions, such as ‘What music would you set scenes in the book to?’ and ‘Which actors would you like to play your characters?’.
Lizzie said: “The students were amazing, and asked such thoughtful and out-of-the-box questions! I honestly feel so humbled to play a small part in getting young people excited about reading and storytelling. It’s such a special event.”
Students from seven schools listened to Lizzie’s talk, and went away buzzing afterwards. Students also interviewed her for their school’s newsletter.
Jon Adamson, Director of Post 16 Studies at Oakgrove School, said: “It was excellent and the students found it very rewarding.”
Feedback from all the students who attended the event was fantastic. Lucy Campion from Radcliffe School said: “Our students were so impressed with Thornton College. We are all still buzzing from such a positive day and everything was so well managed.”
Jo Scott was thrilled with the success of the event, and said: “Thornton is so proud of this groundbreaking initiative! The event inspired imaginative thinking, literacy skills and creativity. Creativity is the key that unlocks the door to so many careers, and it was a privilege to inspire so many students.”
For more information about any events at Thornton College email Jo Scott at jscott@thorntoncollege.com or visit their website for more on the school itself.
