‘This has made me see that there is more to reading and writing than I originally thought. It has made me appreciate more the gift of reading and writing. I enjoyed every minute of this event and would hope to be involved in something similar in the future.’ – David Gallagher, 10SJ.
On 18th June 2009, the English Department hosted an event to encourage 30 year 10 boys to become motivated writers. The evening (7-9pm) consisted of writing tasks for the boys and their guests (an older male) to eke out their creativity.
Mr Moreton compered the evening with an abundance of enthusiasm and charisma. The tasks were based around stimulus material created by the dedicated English department, such as a film clip from Kes, an article from a men's magazine with the headline, ‘Is the FA Cup Pointless?’ and the music video ‘The Scientist’ by Coldplay. These activities have been stereotypically designed to engage teenage boys. As further incentive, we also provided refreshments along the lines of chips, Yorkie bars (they’re not for girls) and fizzy pop, to add to the exciting atmosphere of the evening. A non-fiction writer, Derek Watts, attended to demonstrate to the boys that writing is a valuable skill outside of the classroom and certainly enthused his audience.
Students found it a positive experience. Jack Rollinson of 10SJ said, ‘I feel that [the event] will change my outlook on English…’Adam Walton of 10JG feels that the evening has contributed to ‘a positive and comfortable attitude to English.’ Guests also enjoyed the event, including one parent who felt that the evening was ‘well-planned’ and ‘an excellent initiative [which] held the students’ attention and engaged them positively.’ It was a fun-filled evening of writing enjoyed by all the Real Men involved!
For more feedback on this event, please tune in to Radio WM with Carl Chinn on Sunday 5th July 2009 at 12.30 to hear our students discussing the impact of 'Writing for Real Men'.
