The joys of creative writing were brought to life by popular children’s author Steve Voake at a special workshop for gifted and talented children organised by Solihull School.

The writer of best-selling novels including ‘The Dreamwalker’s Child’ and ‘The Web of Fire’ enthralled Year 5 pupils from Greswold Primary School and Coppice, Sharmans Cross and Solihull Junior School reading from his books and discussing his work.

The day-long English-themed event was organised by Solihull School’s newly appointed Head of Transition Hannah Smith to offer a taste of life at secondary school.

A ‘Zen’ walk around Solihull School’s extensive grounds in Warwick Road provided inspiration for the 18 youngsters aged nine to ten to write about their sensory experiences. They also took part in drama workshops and enjoyed lunch in the School’s refectory.

Steve Voake said: “The children were a delight to work with. It was wonderful to spend a day in the company of such enthusiastic and talented writers.”

Jane Glover, a Teacher at Greswold Primary School, commented: “Our pupils told us that they found the day ‘fantastic, full and enjoyable’ and thought meeting an author was ‘really cool’.”   

Hannah Smith added: “All the pupils were excited by Steve’s storytelling and hearing how he found the inspiration for his books and created his characters.”

“We were delighted to offer children from local primary schools a taste of life in a senior school environment look forward to running similar workshops in the New Year.”