Year 8 Creative Writing Workshop
We launched our World Book Day celebrations with an inspiring workshop led by by local author Kate Innes. She opened the session by sharing her background in archaeology and museum education, setting the scene for a discussion about the links between physical history and mythology. Pupils explored how mythological stories evolve from real historical places and cultures, focusing particularly on the legend of the Minotaur, the Minoans, and the Palace of Knossos.
With this foundation in place, Kate guided pupils through a discussion on what a myth is and how to construct one. She broke down the essential elements of myth-making and encouraged pupils to invent their own mythological creatures - starting with an ordinary animal and transforming it into something extraordinary. The imaginative responses were fantastic, ranging from a three‑headed crocodile to a leopard-bird hybrid. Pupils then considered the challenges their creature might pose for humans, where it would live, what powers it might possess, and how it could be defeated.
"Throughout the workshop, Year 8 demonstrated great enthusiasm and an impressive depth of knowledge drawn from their English lessons. It was a brilliant, engaging start to our World Book Day events." Ms Love, BSL Librarian
Year 7 Author Visit
Catherine Randall is a regular World Book Day visitor with a very personal connection to Adams. Her father, David Taylor, was Headmaster of Adams’ Grammar School between 1974-1993. The Taylors were the last family to live in the Headmaster’s House which was then at one end of Big School where the Headmasters’ Office and school offices are currently.
Catherine is a children’s historical fiction writer inspired by the history of London. Her first book, The White Phoenix was set during the Great Fire of London in 1666, although it also drew on the Great Fire of Newport which happened a year earlier in 1665.
This year, she was excited to introduce Year 7 pupils to her latest book ‘The Great Bear Breakout’. Hot off the press, the book launched on 28th February. The story is inspired by real events at a long-forgotten Victorian zoo in South London. It features bears, a plucky heroine, a Dickensian villain and lots of jam sandwiches!
Catherine discussed the advantages of writing historical fiction and the key elements needed to create a good story.
Fun Fact: Catherine Randall’s favourite book as a child was ‘Swallows and Amazons’ by Arthur Ransome which inspired her first attempts at writing. Haberdashers’ Adams gives all new pupils in Year 7 a copy of ‘Swallows and Amazons’ at the end of their Induction Day in July to read over their summer holidays before they join the school.
“It is always a joy to come and talk to the students at Adams', not just because of my personal connection with the school, but because the students are so engaged and enthusiastic, and come up with such great questions. Thank you so much for inviting me again." Catherine Randall
