RACHEL DELAHAYE AUTHOR TALK AT DEVIZES SCHOOL…
Earlier in the year, our Gr8 Book Debate team voted alongside their Devizes School counterparts, Electric Life by Rachel Delahaye as their winning read, so they were mega excited to make a return road trip to meet Rachel. The students loved the high energy and electrical performance! Thank you to Mrs Feeney, the librarian at Devizes School for arranging this event and inviting us back.
I found that the author trip to Devizes was extremely fascinating and helpful in understanding the journey that someone makes through their choices in reading. Meeting the author of the book Electric Life used in the school’s 2024 Gr8 Book Debate changed my view on books. To me they were a way of entering a new world and exploring alongside the characters. But meeting the author showed that books can be used to highlight key issues or persuade or warn people of what may happen in the future. They can even keep your brain healthy and improve your mental health. It showed me the true meanings behind the plot and was a wonderful experience. Rupert (Year 8)
I really enjoyed this event because it was interesting to hear about the author’s personal reading journey as well as how she develops a dystopian theme in her stories. My favourite part was the writing workshop as it talked about how past authors had predicted the future through their writing. Megan (Year 8)
TERM 2 IN THE LRC…
It was a packed term 2 in the LRC with 1091 books returned, 1014 books issued, 950 students participating in LitFest events, 292-year 5 partner primary pupils attending a literary transition event, 93 classes, 5 author and poet talks, and a Noel a Novel Christmas competition!
Lessons last term included introductions and refresher sessions for Year 7 and 8 on the Accessit library software system learning how to manage their library account independently including using keywords for advanced searching, renewing and reserving books. Year 9 looked at different ways of accessing the news and the value to them of keeping up to date with current affairs as well as refining active reading skills in their cross curricular PE lesson. Fascinating facts were gleaned from both articles detailing the careers of sports celebrities and careers books as well as listening to the career’s stories of their PE teachers, one of whom had a 4-time Olympian in her family! Year 12 were updated on the guidelines issued by the JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) related to AI Tool (ChatGPT, Snapchat My AI etc.) use in coursework as they enter their public exam year and we supported the research focus of some R6 lessons with referencing and literature review sessions.
The term ended with seasonal festive books and the fabulous Noel a Novel competition. Thank you to Mrs Lamport our Head of Business Studies who judged over 50 entries.
Congratulations to the winners:
- Roslyn – Wintering Heights
- Emily – The Elf, the Reindeer and the Tree
- Samuel – The Snow Maze
- Alasdair – How to Train your Reindeer
- Abby – Great Elf-spectations
- Mrs Bishop – Gluhwein with Rosie
Mrs Day & Mrs Dry