Tuesday July 2nd 2024

Dear Diary,

Spending the day at Blackminster Middle School was a whole new experience, as it was my first time visiting a middle school. (In fact, I wasn’t even aware that we had middle schools in the UK until very recently!) With around 300 pupils aged 10 to 13 (all smartly dressed in full uniform complete with blazers and ties), I felt as though I was among young adults rather than children. I must admit that I was a little worried about the reception I’d receive from this older audience today. But aside from the pupils being less inclined to join in with a hearty hello, and fewer hands up during the two assemblies I put on this morning, they still seemed to get something out of my visit. And I was surprised to see just how many flocked to the library at lunchtime to collect their free bookmarks and stickers – the latter of which looked absolutely fabulous on their black school ties! The four workshops I hosted with Year 7 classes throughout the day differed greatly to one another. In one, the pupils were almost silent the entire time – whilst they concentrated hard on the work they were producing. In another, things quickly got rather raucous – due to the hilarious stories the pupils kept dreaming up. But despite many of the children having professed to NOT being keen readers or writers, the incredible work they all produced certainly said differently. The teachers and I were very impressed with their participation throughout the day. I think there are future graphic novelists in the making here. And I’m pleased to report that the pupils didn’t eat me alive!