LitFest 2024
Weatherhead LitFest got off to a great start on Monday, with our student librarians visiting Bearhunt Books in Bebington to select some new books for the LRC. They were also lucky enough to meet newly published local author Rachael Bradley and hear her read from her book ‘A Second Chance’. At lunchtime we had ‘Wonderland’ themed activities for students to enjoy, ready for Tuesday evening’s Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, and after school some of our KS3 bakers made cupcakes ready to feed our guests!
Our LitFest event continued on Tuesday, when Year 8 students had the pleasure of hearing the wonderful Candy Gourlay talk about “The Hero’s Journey”, and her own journey to becoming a published author. Candy also ran an amazing workshop with some of our KS3 keen writers, who impressed with their own on-the-spot writing.
In the afternoon, Year 5 students from New Brighton Primary School joined Miss Grainger for an introduction to our LRC, and a fun session creating a portal story with Candy Gourlay.
Tuesday evening saw the return of the ever-popular Animals Take Over for our after-school “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party”, as part of our LitFest celebrations. There were games and crafts in the LRC, party food – including the delicious cupcakes made by Mrs Ferry’s helpers (and of course cups of tea!), and a chance for students to meet and find out about a whole host of animals you might find in Wonderland. (Scroll through the gallery)
Year 7 were in for a real treat as part of our LitFest on Wednesday, with a visit from the legendary Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who wowed them with words and magic.
Frank also took a short lesson with one of our Year 9 classes, showing them some close up magic tricks and talking about his work in film, TV and literature.
The hilarious Simon James Green joined us on Thursday for our LitFest week, helping Year 9 learn how to “Own the Awkward”, and winning over a lot of new readers as he discussed his books and inspiration. Simon also met with members of our LGBTQ+ club in the afternoon, for an incredible talk and discussion that left every student grinning and a library full of laughter.
Our fantastic LitFest came to an end on Friday, with an inspirational visit from Louisa Reid. Louisa spoke to our Year 10 students, introducing them to her very readable YA verse novels, and also held a poetry workshop for our Year 12 English Literature students, where every student received a signed copy of one of Louisa’s books.
The week finished with a lovely visit to Wallasey Central Library for a small group of Years 7 & 8 students. They enjoyed a tour of the library from one of the very knowledgeable staff members there, and then had a chance to explore, completing a ‘scavenger hunt’ challenge along the way.
Happy Reading!