Schools look to big names in science and literature for inspiration

Pupils from Churchdown and Longlevens have been rubbing shoulders with big names from the world of literature and science to tap into ideas to take back to their schools.

Youngsters from Chosen Hill School visited London to attend the Booktrust Best Book Awards, sponsored by Amazon Kindle.

The awards saw the finest of the literary world gather at the famous Lancaster Hotel where winners, including best selling authors Lucy Cousins and illustrator Ed Bryan claimed their prizes.

Gloucestershire pupils joined 12,000 schoolchildren nationwide who voted for the winning titles to produce a host of superb winners crossing six categories including fan favourite The Fault in our Stars by John Green.

Great British Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc hosted the presentation that was attended by a string of celebrities, including Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton and BBC Apprentice winner Tom Pellereau.

The event was also attended by former children’s laureate Michael Morpurgo, who wrote the best selling book War Horse.

Teacher Chris Gardner said the pupils thought it was one of the best days out they’ve ever had.
The kids love reading and books so to be at an event where they could meet some of their literary heroes was a dream come true. We just want to thank Booktrust for having us and for doing so much great work providing books to our school and inspiring the kids to read more.

Winners included best selling authors Lucy Cousins and illustrator Ed Bryan.

Meanwhile pupils and staff at Elmbridge Junior School were delighted to welcome a very important guest to their school last week.

David Naylor-Leyland, chairman of Telent Technologies, visited the school to officially open their new Learning Resource Centre.

The school’s IT Suite was previously looking very dated and tired until earlier in the year when Telent Technologies provided a very generous donation to the school.

A school spokesman said:

Without the donation, this wonderful new facility would not have been possible. After assembly and a tour of the school the children enjoyed the opportunity to show Mr Naylor-Leyland the library and IT equipment in the LRC and how this is helping them to develop their independent learning and research skills.