Children’s author helps primary school pupils stay on the ‘write’ lines

​​Celebrated children’s author Damian Harvey helped to inspire hundreds of primary school pupils during a creative writing festival at the University of Northampton.

Mr Harvey, who has written books for children of all ages, including the Robo Runners series, shared his experiences with more than 250 Year 4 pupils during the event, which was held on Thursday 18 June.

Organised by the University’s Higher Education School Engagement (HESE) team, the festival also saw the children take part in creative workshops which were led by industry professionals.

Disney and Warner Bros scriptwriter, Par Dhonsi, shared the secrets of his craft, while award-winning author-illustrator David Barrow helped the children to create their own storyboards.

Jane Badger-Jones, Head of HESE at the University Centre for Employment and Engagement, said: “We were delighted to host the University’s first creative writing festival for primary schools in Northamptonshire.

“The aim of the festival was to inspire children in the world of creative writing and to create a real buzz around literacy.

“The festival underpins the University’s strong commitment to supporting local schools to raise achievement for children through innovative approaches.”

Pupils attended from four Northampton schools – Thorplands, Bridgewater, Lumbertubs and St James – plus Croyland Primary School, Wellingborough, and Wootton and Thrapston primary schools.

Each school was presented with a selection of Damian Harvey’s books for their libraries.

In the autumn, the University’s HESE team and Inreach Ambassadors will visit the participating schools to support the children’s creative literacy work, with the aim of creating a collection of their creative writing inspired by the day.