School children enjoy literary workshops and book signings at Thornton College

Posted 10th October 2024

Thornton College hosted the first evet MK Schools Lit Fest on 8th October 2024. Hundreds of students from various infant, primary and secondary schools visited Thornton to meet amazing authors, Adam Connors, Bex Hogan, Imogen Robertson and Lizzie Waterworth.

Visiting schools included Thornborough Infant, Swallowfield Primary, St Gregory’s Catholic School, St Monica’s Catholic School, St Pauls Secondary School and Oakgrove Secondary. Students enjoyed a day of literary joy!

Reflecting on the day author Bex Hogan said, “What an engaged and enthusiastic group of kids that were a delight to talk with.  I think it is wonderful to bring in and include so many children from the area of MK who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to hear an author.  An incredible experience!”.

Visiting author Lizzie Waterworth said, “I had a fantastic day at Thornton College presenting to students from different schools in Milton Keynes, and signing copies of my book “How to Talk so People Will Listen”. The students asked lots of excellent questions and it was wonderful to hear them having fun experiment with their own voices whilst learning skills to feel more confident, and finding ways to get rid of that pesky inner voice called “Whatif”. I very much look forward to returning”.

Following his workshop author Adam Connors said the MK Schools Lit Fest was “a beautiful event at a beautiful school with incredibly engaging and intelligent students”.

Author Imogen Robertson said, “I am delighted to meet all the students and excited to be part of such a fun day”.

Students genuinely enjoyed meeting authors, asking lots of questions and of course getting books and bookmarks signed!

Dr Shaw, Head Teacher at Thornton College said “WOW what an incredible day.  It has been a genuine joy to welcome students and teachers from other schools to Thornton.  Having met all the authors at lunchtime and listened to students who have attended workshops I am in no doubt that today will have inspired future writers, editors and authors!”.

This inaugural Mk Schools Lit Fest has been an outcome of partnership and collaboration – working with the MK Lit Fest team, authors, publishers, Waterstones and Thornton College; a day which everyone involved hopes will become an annual event.