Author visits create a lasting impression on students. They build relationships between children and the written word, inspire them to pursue creative endeavours, and connect lessons learnt in the classroom with the wider world. Here at RPA we believe that bringing an author into school to speak to our students is imperative to support reading for pleasure, further enhance reading and writing  within the curriculum and spark creative minds. 

 

Emily Lloyd Gale - Monday 2nd October 2023 

Early years and Key Stage 1 were thrilled to meet Maurice Moose on Monday. The children enjoyed having Emily visit their classrooms to read her published book, 'Mighty Maurice'. After school, children had the opportunity to buy copies of the book as well as a plush cuddly toy of Maurice. 

'The Secret Garden' Theatre Production - Tuesday 13th June 2023

On Tuesday 13th June the children enjoyed a brilliant show of 'The Secret Garden' performed by the M&M production. The enchanting Classic Literature Adaptation was presented in an easily digestible and interactive format, suitable for the whole 4 – 11 age range. This production was an inspiring watch and a fun way for the children to learn about the past, making history come alive. 

Martin Smith - Thursday 8th June 2023

Martin, who grew up in Rushden, came back to his roots to tells us about his 'Charlie Fry' book Series. Martin loves football and our children loved talking to Martin about his favourite players and what inspired his book writing. We were particularly excited by the different locations around Rushden mentioned in Martin's books such as the local's favourite, 'Hall Park'. 

Fay Evans - Wednesday 15th March 2023 

Author Fay Evans came into school on Wednesday 15th March for a day of interactive story telling. She held an assembly for KS2 to inspire our future authors as well as completing a Q&A. For EYFS and KS1, Fay held workshops to encage pupils into her story, 'Dave the Whale'. 

Madison Rowley - 16th October 2022 

Maddison, from Rushden, is an upcoming author and illustrator who created her very first picture book, ‘Ziggy the Zebra’, during lockdown. Since then, ‘Ziggy’ is now an official fictional character since the book has been published and is a firm favourite in books stores such as Waterstones and Magazine Heaven.  

Madison came into school on Wednesday 16th October to complete workshops with our children from YR to Y6. Madison gave a detailed career talk to our KS2 pupils about her choices at school and university, and explained how she developed her love for drawing into a real life job. Meanwhile, pupils in KS1 enjoyed Maddie coming into their class to hear her story 'Ziggy the Zebra'. 

After Maddie's visit to RPA pupils were inspired by her drawing skills and career talk that they wanted to try out being an illustrator themselves. Please see below examples of characters some of our KS2 pupils have designed.