Year 12 #GreenfordRead
On Thursday 18th May, former pupil Gurnaik Johal, who has published a book of short stories - We Move - took time out of his day to visit. He had a rapt audience and an appreciative queue of students wanting to get their books signed. The students who attended were an absolute credit to themselves and to the Year 12 team: I had prepared at least 30 questions, anticipating some awkward silences from nervous students, but I didn’t need any. They were completely engaged from the moment they started and seemed very comfortable sharing their opinions with each other and putting questions to Gurnaik. It was great to see Science and English students conversing over the shared experience of having read the same book. Alistair Newall pointed out to me that there were some quite shy students in the mix: I am delighted that they took up the challenge and put themselves out of their comfort zone.
Gurnaik had asked to meet his former English teachers as he wanted specifically to thank them. Sadly, despite there being many-long standing teachers in this department, Joe Mathews, Anna Woods and Annji Kinoshita-Bashforth have all left, but perhaps they are due some of the credit for his success as a published author. It was evident that he really enjoyed the experience of coming in.
I am grateful to all the following colleagues whose collaboration and support was invaluable in creating this event.
Richard Lewis and Hebe Westcott, who have been ‘banging the drum’ for Greenford Read on my behalf over the last two months during Year 12 assemblies, and who both made time to come in to the first part of the discussion this morning.
Jeremy Dudman-Jones for meeting and greeting Gurnaik this morning, and showing him round.
Alistair Newall, Will Halsey, Mark Harvey, and Jeremy, Richard, Hebe and Georgia Pawelko who all took part in some or all of the discussion, and with evident excitement. I really valued that colleagues were able to make time for this, as I think it is so important for students to be a part of a mixed group. Feedback from one student made precisely this point, in answer to my question about what they’d enjoyed.:
“The community that formed - the fact that not only students, but teachers too were actively engaged in speaking about the book. Of course, Gurnaik being there also made it a much more insightful experience, I feel like the authors presence adds a lot to the discussions.”
Lou Grimley and Jess Humphries for telling the Governors of the Students Committee about Greenford Read. As you know, Jags and Sunny came along to support.
Elaine Grundy, Angela Cameron and Will Harrison for helping me set up and taking photos.
Gina King for organising cover for me and Marie Vanmarcke for taking my Year 11 French class.
Sarah Williams
Mia's notes
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