Year 6 pupils from Newfield Park Primary Academy enjoyed an inspiring visit to The Earls High School, where they met comedian, actor and children’s author Matt Lucas. Lucas, best known for his work on television and in comedy, began writing for children in 2020 and has since published several books, including his latest, BobLand.
During his visit, Lucas talked about his career and the inspiration behind BobLand, a funny and heartwarming story about a boy who builds his own theme park in his back garden. He also read extracts from the book, prompting plenty of laughter and live discussion. Children then had the opportunity to ask their own questions about the creative process and becoming an author themselves.
Ava, a Year 6 pupil, said Lucas’s visit had inspired her to start her own creative writing journey: “He was so funny. It was great how his book links to something he loved -rollercoasters – and how he turned something bad that happened into a funny situation to write about. It inspired me to write.”
Steve Payne, Principal at Newfield Park Primary Academy, said the visit had been particularly valuable for pupils at a key stage in their learning: “Experiences like this bring reading and writing to life for children. Meeting an author helps them see that stories can be inspired by anything, and that their own unique ideas are worth exploring and developing.
“Moments like this stay with children long after they leave primary school, nurturing their love of learning, reading and creativity.”
The visit gave pupils memories and inspiration that they can carry into all areas of learning.
