On October 4th, 30 Year 9 students from The Royal Harbour Academy had the exciting opportunity to take part in the 'Literacy Matters' event, held at the Turner Contemporary. This inspiring literacy initiative, generously organised and fully funded by the Rotary Club of Thanet, aims to cultivate a love for reading and writing among young people. In previous years, The Royal Harbour Academy has benefitted from receiving class readers for the Lower Site; this year, the initiative focused on providing a unique experience for our Year 9 students.
The day began with students participating in a creative writing workshop led by award-winning author Jessica Randal, a key figure from Nick Hornby’s Ministry of Stories. Known for her captivating approach to storytelling, Randal guided students through an engaging session, encouraging them to unlock their creative potential and explore the art of writing in new and imaginative ways. This workshop provided students with invaluable insight into the writing process, helping them develop their confidence and skills as budding writers.
After a short break, students had the rare opportunity to meet Moira Buffini, one of the UK’s leading scriptwriters and the author of the debut novel Songlight. During an hour-long session, Buffini shared her inspiration behind the novel, discussed her career as a writer, and offered students a glimpse into the world of storytelling across different media. This interactive session allowed students to ask questions, gain advice, and deepen their understanding of what it takes to become a successful author.
In a generous offer negotiated by the Rotary Club of Thanet, each student was gifted a free signed copy of Buffini’s Songlight—a personal memento of the event and a tool to continue nurturing their love for literature.
The entire trip, fully funded by the Rotary Club of Thanet and Margate Bookies, was a special experience that cost students and families nothing. Grace Leggatt, who accompanied the group, praised the initiative, saying, “The 'Literacy Matters' event was an incredible opportunity for our students to engage with professional writers and to see how literature can truly come to life. It’s rare for students to receive such personalised experiences, and we are deeply grateful to the Rotary Club of Thanet for making this possible.”
Students also expressed their excitement and gratitude, with one student remarking, “It was amazing to meet real authors and learn about how they write. I’m really excited to read Songlight now!”
The Royal Harbour Academy is proud to have been part of this year’s 'Literacy Matters' initiative, and we look forward to continuing to promote literacy and creative expression among our students.
Commentaires