Acclaimed author David Almond inspires students at Alma Mater
Multi-award-winning children’s author, David Almond OBE, recently returned to his former school, St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy in Hebburn, to deliver an inspirational celebration assembly and writing workshops.
The academy welcomed Almond to speak to Year 9 pupils, aiming to ignite their aspirations and creative spirits.
During his visit following World Book Day celebrations, David captivated both students and staff. He shared insights into his life, career, and the inspirations behind his writing.
Recognise the power of your “amazing brains”
Liz McEwen, an English Teacher at St. Joseph’s, remarked, “David was a truly inspirational and entertaining speaker, who engaged both students and staff with his childhood stories and made writing fiction seem both accessible and possible for everyone.”
In the assembly, David spoke candidly about his background as an “ordinary working-class boy from Felling who had a dream, and didn’t give up on it, despite receiving many setbacks along the way.” He encouraged the students to recognize the power of their “amazing brains” and the wealth of stories and experiences within them that are “very much worth sharing.”
Following the assembly, David led a dynamic writing workshop designed to foster the students’ belief in their own creativity. Using simple stimuli such as an apple, a padlock and key, and even a tin of sardines, students were prompted to develop their own narratives. They also delved into character creation and world-building before sharing their imaginative stories.
Attentive, responsive and relaxed students
Jessica, a Year 9 pupil, clearly benefited from the session, stating, “The workshop showed me that writing should be a fun experience where you let your ideas flow, rather than stressing about getting something down on paper. It’s a creative process so just enjoy it!”
David himself was impressed by the students’ engagement, commenting, “The students were brilliant – attentive, responsive, relaxed. It was wonderful to work with them all.”
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, commented on the impact of such visits:
“It is always inspiring to see successful individuals like David Almond return to their roots and share their journey with the next generation. These kinds of personal interactions are incredibly powerful in motivating students, broadening their horizons, and demonstrating that with perseverance, dreams are achievable.
“Providing our young people with opportunities to connect with acclaimed authors not only fosters a love for literature but also encourages them to explore their own creative potential.”
Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust a Schools North East Partner Trust. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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