It was a delight to welcome Emma Carroll, our Patron of Reading, for her first school visit last Friday, which proved to be a very busy day.
She was introduced to the whole school in our assembly where the pupils learned about what the role of our Patron is and Emma talked about the books she has written, most of which have a historical theme. Her lastest book, ‘The Somerset Tsunami’ which will be published in October 2019. Throughout the day Emma held three presentations with four of our year groups.
Forms 2, 3 and 4 heard about her most recent book ‘When we were Warriors’ which has three shorter stories in one volume which carry on from a couple of her previous books. As one of these involves evacuees breaking the rules, Emma had the pupils performing dares which were highly entertaining. It was amazing how willing so many pupils were to do this despite not knowing what they were letting themselves in for! One of the other stories in this book has a mystery body being washed up on the beach in Dorset carrying false identity papers which Emma based on an actual event.
Form 5 took part in a workshop on characterisation which they are studying in their English lessons. Emma gave them some new techniques of developing characters without describing what they look like or what they are wearing. 
Whilst in school, Emma was also interviewed by George B for The Buzz, so look out for the first issue later this term. She will visit the School again in February and in the Summer term 2020.
Please follow the link below to watch the highlights of the day:
