These events highlight the strength of partnerships across our family of schools, giving pupils unique opportunities to learn from leading voices in children’s literature.
Ross MacKenzie spoke to pupils from Old Grammar about the beginnings of his writing journey, recalling how a teacher’s love of reading, and a memorable introduction to Roald Dahl’s ‘The Witches’, first sparked his imagination. He shared how books became “doorways into another world” and how that sense of wonder inspired him to create stories of his own. Ross introduced his latest novel, ‘The Uninvited’, of which each child recieved a signd copy, walking pupils through its characters and themes before reading the opening chapter.
Meanwhile, poet and writer Laura Mucha delivered an interactive workshop and talk that brought together pupils from across seven of our partner schools, including Redriff Primary and City of London Primary Academy Islington. In the workshop, Year 6 pupils co-wrote a poem entitled ‘My Journey to Success’, reflecting on achievements big and small. During her talk, Laura spoke about her unusual path from lawyer to writer, shaped by resilience during a long recovery after a car accident. She also shared insights into her forthcoming book ‘Scary’ and the importance of perseverance in the creative process. Each participating school received a signed copy of her poetry collection ‘The Ugly Stepsister and Other Poems’.
These author visits underline the value of collaboration across the City schools, ensuring pupils not only hear stories but also see firsthand the determination, creativity, and joy that fuel them.
