Private School News

TWO DIVERSE AUTHORS IN TWO DAYS

Two celebrated authors, Mark Wagh and Beverley Naidoo, have recently visited Nottingham High School as part of its ‘Year of Reading’. This initiative is designed to engage with boys of all ages at the school, exploring reading habits, preferences, philosophies about reading and its importance.
Nottinghamshire County Cricketer, Mark Wagh was well received by boys from across the year groups when he joined them at lunch to discuss and share his thoughts on his book ‘Pavilion to Crease…and Back’.
Pupil, Luke Robinson said, “I enjoyed listening to Wagh’s account of the process of writing such an honest and frank book. Wagh spoke of his satisfaction in producing a piece of work that represents all of his cricketing knowledge and recommended the enjoyment of writing as well as reading.”
Beverley Naidoo’s novels draw on issues connected with Racism, Apartheid and Asylum-seeking in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and the United Kingdom; ultimately, she is eager to reveal the contexts of her work through a child’s perspective and their friendships.
In preparation for Dr Naidoo’s visit, all year nine boys read her Carnegie Medal Winning novel, ‘The Other Side of Truth’. The day consisted of a presentation in the morning and a writing workshop in the afternoon for year 9 and aimed to develop creative and personal writing skills which the boys will be able to utilise, not only this year, but also as they approach their GCSEs. Year 13 students also engaged in an informal talk and reading by Dr Naidoo, who then went on to chat with many boys, from across the school, during a busy book signing.
Beverely Naidoo proved herself to be as dynamic and interesting a speaker as her books are thrilling and varied; a huge number of boys were inspired to speak to her in person about her incredible life and books. Dr Naidoo warmly commended the boys on their creative output at the close of the workshop.
“We always try and build in author visits into the school year as part of the drive to promote reading, said Kevin Fear Headmaster at Nottingham High School. These two particular visits, part of our Year of Reading which was launched in September 2009, have been very well received. Similar exercises, planned for the coming months, are all aimed at challenging stereotypes linked to reading and about who might read what. We hope the year’s events will help equip the boys with the skills to proceed successfully in their academic careers and beyond.”