7 - 11 March 2011

Local primary school children visited Bolton School this week for our inaugural Primary Schools Literacy Challenge. Year 5 pupils from nine local primaries took part in a ‘Reading Challenge’ where they had to read aloud a passage from their favourite book, with the emphasis on fluency, expression and the communication of enthusiasm for their chosen book through their delivery. There was also a fun introduction to Shakespeare drama session, and a third session of games and tasks based on ‘The Odyssey’. The day concluded with the presentation of certificates and prizes and all pupils were given a Thesaurus as a memento of the day.

Also in School this week was Mark Robson, best-selling author of 'swords-and-sorcery' style adventures for children, who visited Bolton School Boys' Division to share with the pupils what it takes to be a successful author and publisher, and to show them that sheer hard work can get you anywhere. Mark spoke to Year 7 and 8 pupils about his life as a Royal Air Force pilot and how he went from this to being an author. When speaking about his life and career so far Mark's energy and enthusiasm inspired confidence in the boys by showing them that through setting goals, personal motivation and hard work, anything is possible. In the afternoon, Mark ran a Publishing Workshop with Year 9 boys, designed to give them an insight into some of the different disciplines that go into producing and marketing a book.

Bolton School Girls' Division celebrated International Women's Day on Tuesday, remembering how pioneering women won them the same educational rights as boys. In a special assembly Headmistress Mrs Gill Richards reminded girls about their important work with other women around the world in less fortunate circumstances than themselves, particularly through the Bolton School Global Village, which brings together under one umbrella, the school's varied activities with international schools. Links have already been established with a Maasai tribe in Tanzania and schools in Chile and China, and Bolton girls have also visited India and helped changed the lives of those living in poverty through the charity SKCV.

And Junior Girls have once again been broadening their horizons with a workshop by the Young Shakespeare Company – this time getting into character with a Midsummer Night’s Dream.