Stour Vale Academy Trust
DAME JACQUELINE WILSON VISIT
May 2023
On 4th May The Earls High School hosted a visit from the celebrated children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson. An audience of more than 200 pupils from primary and secondary schools within Stour Vale and the local area had the opportunity to hear Dame Jacqueline talk about her career as a writer and the inspiration for her two latest books, The Primrose Railway Children and The Other Edie Trimmer. The event, organised by Dudley Children’s Book Group, was the latest in a series of visits by bestselling authors to member schools within Stour Vale.
STOUR VALE BOOK QUIZ
March 2023
On 22nd March Northfield Road Primary School hosted the inaugural Stour Vale book quiz. During the day, the teams of children from years 4 and 5 had the opportunity to meet acclaimed author Petr Horáček as well as enjoying participating in the quiz itself. It was also a fantastic opportunity for the children to socialise together.
Onjali Rauf and jo lindley VISIT
June and September 2022
Meeting an author is a very valuable experience for all children and young people and by working together Stour Vale member schools are able to offer this opportunity to a greater number of pupils. Stour Vale works closely with The Dudley Children’s Book Group, a member of the National Federation of Children’s Book Groups, who facilitate the author visits, and through our collaborative approach we ensure that the events reach as many pupils as possible. Last academic year, the celebrated author Onjali Rauf visited both Moat Farm Junior School and Olive Hill Primary School, where pupils from Northfield Road and Newtown Primary Schools were also able to meet her and hear her fascinating story. Earlier this academic year, Northfield Road hosted a visit from Jo Lindley as she travelled the country to launch Hello Autumn, the second book in her new series for younger readers. For upcoming author events, please see our news page.
When asked to share their experience of meeting a real-life author, the children told us:
“I’ve never met an author before, it was amazing!” (Year 4 pupil)
“It was so inspiring to meet a female author.” (Year 6 pupil)
“I can’t believe she signed my book and spoke to me!” (Year 4 pupil)
“After listening to Onjali in assembly, it has made me want to become a writer.” (Year 5 pupil)