Inspiring visit for St Marie’s

Pupils and teachers at St Marie’s Catholic Primary School in Kirkby enjoyed a ‘rib-tickling’ day with children’s author Alan Gibbons.

Alan has been writing children’s books for over twenty years and won numerous awards for this literature, including the Blue Peter ‘The Book I Couldn’t Put Down’ Award for his best-selling book ‘Shadow of the Minotaur’.

Liverpool born Alan was a teacher for 16 years before becoming an author, and his enthusiasm for education is still apparent, as he makes trips around the country to schools, such as St Marie’s, to deliver workshops and share his passion for writing.

Throughout the day, the children were captivated and intent on Alan’s every word while he delivered a fun-filled afternoon of writing.

Pupils had the opportunity to demonstrate their own writing skills, with a little help from Alan, and were very eager to take part and show off their ability!

The school remarked that the quality of work produced was wonderful and demonstrated the talent and enthusiasm of the children at St Marie’s.

One Year 6 pupil loved the experienced and commented, ‘Alan is so funny, I want to be able to write just like him.’

The school are keen to invite Alan back, especially as so many of its pupils were inspired and now want to follow in Alan’s footsteps.

Jan Harris, acting Deputy Head Teacher, says: “The day was a great success, the children really enjoyed Alan’s visit and couldn’t wait to share their own writing!”