We are lucky enough to have a wide variety of authors visit Northgate throughout the year to work with our students – giving talks and workshops to inspire them in their writing. Our Year 7s were treated to a visit recently from Lisa Thompson. Mrs Gill, Head Librarian tells us about this recent visit.
‘As part of summer transition, and the school commitment to reading, every Year 7 student was given a copy of the fabulous book, Rollercoaster Boy. We were delighted to welcome the author of the book, Lisa Thompson, to Northgate on Friday 11th November, who delighted students with her engaging presentation and interactive code breaking mystery. Lisa was highly impressed with the interesting and thoughtful questions asked and was delighted to sign their copies of the book. Students from Scarning Primary and Garvestone Primary also joined us for the presentation. During the afternoon selected Year 7 students were given the opportunity to work alongside Lisa in creative writing workshops. Using sight, sound and object prompts students delivered some intriguing and talented storylines that were then shared with the class.’
A number of our Year 7 Northgate News Team members tell us below about their experience of the day:
Georgina: ‘We did a really cool escape room as that was what Lisa Thompson loved and was also one of the main parts in the book. It was very inclusive and everyone had a lot of fun. She told us a lot about herself and showed that even though she is so successful she still had lots of setbacks. She also told us she had wanted to be an author since the age of 10 and has written 10 books.’
Anna: ‘It was really exciting to have Lisa Thompson come into school. She talked about her past and when she became successful despite being set back quite a few times. I was in the workshop with her in the afternoon and it was really interesting to be able to write a story with her teaching us and giving us ideas. It was a great experience!’
Christina: ‘When Lisa Thompson came to our school, I was really excited because she made an escape room which was really fun and entertaining. She told us about when she was a little girl and read all different kinds of books and how she wasn’t always an author. In fact, she has become quite an expert in excuses to not write. Now she has finally decided to give it a go and it has turned out amazing. She has now written 10 books!’
Colette: ‘When Lisa Thompson came in, I was so excited!!! Before lunch we had an amazing assembly where we did an interactive escape room filled with clues. She showed us all of her fantastic books and the books she read as a child, such as Charlotte’s Web, Beno and many more. After lunch I had the opportunity to participate in a workshop with her where I learned lots of tips and tricks for writing. I can’t wait to read more of her books!’
A big thank you to Mrs Gill for arranging the visit and to Lisa for coming into Northgate. We know we already have lots of amazing writers amongst our students, and there may have been a few more inspired by the talk and workshop to give it a try!
