Author Jeff Norton, Visits
Students from St Mark’s Lower School were treated to a special visit from METAWARS series author, Jeff Norton.
The event, held on Tuesday 25th February, was organised by the school’s English Faculty and Library to complement the schools activities leading up to World Book Day on March 6th.
Jeff was a reluctant reader at school but has gone on to create one of the most compelling series of books for young people. Alongside his work as an author, he is working with a technology start-up to create apps where you can read a book that is interspersed with interactive games.
Jeff gave an enthralling talk about his work as a writer and plans for the series to students and later signed books and spoke with students about their writing ambitions.
The event was organised by Rhoda Martin, the librarian at St Mark’s School. Rhoda has been working on enhancing the literary and creative writing opportunities at St Mark’s School and has co-ordinated a refurbishment of library facilities, with the addition of sofa-style seating, new books and organised visits from external authors and storytellers.
“We hope that students will discover not just how exciting reading good stories can be, but also discover how they can engage with important issues relating to the 21st Century such as how boundaries get blurred between the virtual and real world and how technology might impact us more in the future,” she Rhoda.
Head of School, Chris Ryan, added:
“Jeff was a highly engaging speaker who related extremely well to young people and provoked them to think about challenging and complex issues.”
“Students need to have opportunities to participate in events outside of the classroom environment that help to create memorable and enriching learning experiences for young people and we are delighted that everyone enjoyed Jeff’s visit so much.”
Commenting on his Twitter feed last night, Jeff commented:
“Great to talk to St Mark’s School in Larkhall, Bath. Insightful, intelligent questions from the students; a joy to visit.”