Frank Cottrell-Boyce congratulates Alsop Reading Graduates

Award-winning children’s author Frank Cottrell-Boyce recently visited Alsop High School in Walton as part of the school’s ‘Think Reading Intervention Programme’ graduation. 

Mr Cottrell-Boyce met with graduates of the programme in the school library as part of a ceremony.  

Frank Cottrell-Boyce is a screenwriter, author and occasional actor from Rainhill. In 2004, he won a Carnergie Medal for his book ‘Millions’, which recognizes outstanding new books for children or young adults. 

He is the Alsop Patron of Reading. 

At the ceremony, each student received gifts and a certificate. Their parents and carers also attended. 

Mr Cottrell-Boyce spoke about his love for reading to the students, and also about writing and his role as a children’s author. He read extracts from his novels to further enlighten students with his writing. 

Ms Tapia-Bowes, Disciplinary Literacy Coordinator at Alsop High, said: 

“The Thinking Reading Team and I are beyond proud of our graduate students.  

“Their rigour and perseverance throughout the process was exemplary – their journey to excellence to be applauded.  

“Listening to the very first graduate, Evie Mai Collingwood, read out loud to the audience was both awesome and inspiring: well done all!” 

During the ceremony Mr Cottrell-Boyce also revealed the winning entries to their ‘500 Word Writing Competition’.  

Launched on World Book Day, Alsop’s many entrants submitted their stories in the hope of winning their particular category: KS3, KS4 and Alsop Family. 

The winners and runner-uppers of the 500 Word Writing Competition also received their prizes from the Alsop Patron of Reading, and had the opportunity to read out their winning entry. 

Mr Masher, Headteacher at Alsop High, said: 

“Well done also to those who entered our annual 500 Word Writing Competition.  

“The response was astounding.  

“The plot lines, use of vocabulary, variety of ideas, originality and flair, challenged our judges. I know choosing winners for each category was incredibly difficult.”