Award-winning author Ciaran Murtagh has written a new chapter in the literacy story at Upton Junior School in Broadstairs.

In a lively session with Year 3 children he discussed his job and the craft of writing – and together they created a story laced with a lot of laughter on the way.

 

He began by tearing a page from a dictionary and chose a handful of words which had to be included in the story.

The idea has inspired children who will use the technique to drive their own creative writing in the coming weeks.

The visit was part of the school’s English development and reading for pleasure ethos as well as exposing pupils to a range of career opportunities.

Head of Year 3 Katie Vary said: “Our children had a whale of a time with Ciaran – he is such an engaging and enthusiastic speaker who has clearly inspired the children to experiment with their own creative writing.

“He enjoyed his time at Upton and commented that the children were engaged and had very good ideas.

A BAFTA award-winning screenwriter and author, he has written more than 30 books for children and is published in twelve languages. The Fincredible Diary of Fin Spencer won the Leicester Best Book Award, and prior to that he won a Riveting Reads Award for Genie in Training. In addition to his books Ciaran has written for some of the world's best-loved television shows including Mr Bean, Danger Mouse, The Amazing World of Gumball and Shaun the Sheep.

Head of School Darci Arthur said: “It was clear to see how much Ciaran’s visit inspired our children and it has further engaged them in a love of literacy which is an important part of our learning at Upton.”

Upton Junior School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Ramsgate Arts Primary and Chilton Primary School, Ramsgate.

For more information contact Head of School Darci Arthur on 01843 861393.