Year 5 had the wonderful opportunity of meeting the acclaimed author Sophie Kirtley, who visited to share her insights and experiences with the pupils. During her visit, Sophie discussed her career journey, the inspiration behind her books, and how she became a writer. She captivated the students with fascinating ideas, drawing from historical periods like the Vikings, sparking their imaginations and deepening their understanding of the past. The pupils were thoroughly enthralled, asking many insightful and thoughtful questions, which Sophie praised for their knowledge, engagement, and enthusiasm.
Meeting a real-life author like Sophie Kirtley can have a lasting impact on young learners. It provides them with a tangible example of how passion and creativity can lead to a fulfilling career, inspiring them to pursue their own aspirations, whether in writing or other areas. Exposure to an author’s process can broaden pupils’ horizons, encouraging them to think about storytelling in new ways and highlighting the richness of history as a source of inspiration.
Such interactions can also influence students’ learning in profound ways, fostering a love for literature and sparking curiosity. Sophie’s visit underscored the importance of reading for pleasure, a habit that not only enhances literacy but also fuels imagination, empathy, and critical thinking. When pupils are excited about reading, they naturally become more engaged learners, and their creativity and analytical skills flourish.
Overall, Sophie Kirtley’s visit was a memorable and enriching experience for Year 5, one that will likely continue to inspire the pupils in their learning and creative pursuits for years to come.