Literary Festival helps pupils make a smooth transition

Durrington High School's inaugural Literary Festival included year six students from The Vale Primary School, Thomas A Becket Junior School and Durrington Junior School.
DM16127703a.jpg Author Tom Palmer at Durrington High School. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160630-203323008DM16127703a.jpg Author Tom Palmer at Durrington High School. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160630-203323008
DM16127703a.jpg Author Tom Palmer at Durrington High School. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160630-203323008

They attended workshops to inspire a love of words and stretch their potential as creative writers, with support from Durrington High School students.

Bridget Norman, leader of literacy and literature, led the event and believes it is the beginning of closer links between the schools to help students make a happy transition into Year 6.

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She said: “We are thrilled with the very first DHS Literary Festival and will be planning similar events in the future. This is an excellent chance to meet some of our new students and instil them with a love of words.”

DM16127710a.jpg Author Tom Palmer at Durrington High School. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160630-203334008DM16127710a.jpg Author Tom Palmer at Durrington High School. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160630-203334008
DM16127710a.jpg Author Tom Palmer at Durrington High School. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160630-203334008

The project was enriched by creative discussion with Leeds-based author Tom Palmer.

Bridget added: “The students found the activities with Tom thoroughly engaging, especially the penalty shootout event where competing teams won a trophy for their knowledge as well as physical football skills.”

Durrington’s year nine students had the opportunity to meet with Tom and ask him about the research he does when writing books, especially ‘Over the Line’ which has been relaunched to tie in with the centenary of the Battle of the Somme this month.

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“It was a perfect complement to their studies,” said Mrs Baker, the learning resources manager at the school.

DM16127710a.jpg Author Tom Palmer at Durrington High School. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160630-203334008DM16127710a.jpg Author Tom Palmer at Durrington High School. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160630-203334008
DM16127710a.jpg Author Tom Palmer at Durrington High School. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160630-203334008

“The students have been studying World War One poetry and were fascinated to learn about Tom’s research into the many real life characters in this book.”

Visiting year six students rounded off the day having completed a short story and prizes were awarded for creativity as well as excellence. Their parents and carers were able to read the finished pieces and tour the LRA with them at the end of the day.

Bridget said: “Durrington High School would like to say a big thank you to the staff and students of the visiting schools for attending the day and participating with such enthusiasm; also Tom Palmer for being such an inspiration and everyone involved in making this first DHS Literary Festival such a success.”

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