Students at Penrice Academy were given the opportunity to meet young-adult author Anthony McGowan on Monday 9th June when he visited the St Austell-based secondary school.
McGowan first delivered an assembly to the whole of Year 8 before spending the rest of the day at Penrice leading workshops with selected students in Years 7 to 10.
Each group of students were inspired by Mr McGowan’s storytelling which was followed by detailed question and answers sessions as the famous writer explained his journey to becoming a published and established author.
McGowan won the annual Carnegie Medal in 2020 for writing Lark, a book that is now part of the Year 8 curriculum at Penrice during tutor time reading sessions. Set up in
1936, the annual Carnegie Medal is the UK's oldest and most prestigious book award for children's writing.
Harry, a Year 9 student, said: “I enjoyed the storytelling element because I had liked reading Lark last year.”
Isabel in Year 10 added: “His stories about what inspired him were gripping and also quite shocking. But I thought the message about the relationship between truth and fiction was an interesting one.”
Reflecting on the visit, Mrs Hague, Reading Champion at Penrice, said: “Anthony McGowan has won so many awards for his books that we were thrilled when he agreed to visit our school. His book, Lark, is read in Year 8 and revolves around two boys of similar age to our students. He brought to life the inspiration for this book and had us all gripped with tales of his own schoolboy experiences in 1970s Leeds. The experience encouraged students to see the magic of storytelling in a new light, and allowed them to connect with the creative process. I’d like to thank Anthony for helping to inspire the next generation of readers and writers in such an entertaining way.”
Mr McGowan thanked Penrice Academy for welcoming him, stating: “It has been a delight, from beginning to end.”
McGowan’s most recently published book was released earlier this year, called ‘The Beck’ - an environmental tale packed full of his signature grit, heart and humour. He is also finishing a book called Birdlands which is expected to be published next year.
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