We were lucky enough to welcome author, Sufiya Ahmed, to Northgate in November. Northgate News Team members Lena, Tapiwa and Eloise, Year 7, give us their thoughts on the visit and also interview Mrs Gill, Head Librarian, about inviting authors into Northgate.
‘I felt very intrigued when the author came to tell her life story about becoming an author and it showed us how much work it took for her to become an author.’ – Lena
‘I felt like the author talk was showing how hard you have to work to become an author. She had loads of books declined but then finally succeeded.’ – Eloise
‘I thought that it was a really fun and exciting experience for all the years that saw it.’ – Tapiwa
Now for some questions for Mrs Gill, Head Librarian:
What is the best thing about having authors come into Northgate?
It introduces a new genres and experiences to students.
Can you describe the different workshops/sessions that the recent author Sufiya Ahmed did?
We had a workshop for 6 – form students it was based on criminology and the talks. Year 7 and year 8 talks were about WW2. Year 9 was about forced and arranged marriages, similar to Romeo and Juliet.
What type of activities work best when authors come to visit?
If authors talk is interactive means students will participate and if likely fun and engaging.
Who would be your dream author to visit Northgate?
I have so many authors I’d like to introduce to Northgate students.
What advice would you give students if they are thinking about becoming an author?
Read expose yourselves to many situations and carry a notebook to write your ideas and everybody’s story is unique.
