Pupils from Years 5 to 8 enjoyed a day of spy-themed activities last Wednesday which included an inspiring and informative “virtual visit” via Zoom, from Robert Muchamore, a highly successful author most famous for his ‘CHERUB’ series about child spies.
Muchamore was broadcast into Gardiner Hall from a large monitor, flanked by paintings of Saint Felix founder Margaret Gardiner and other Heads as the afternoon sun shone in from the glorious grounds outside. A popular writer of thriller series: Cherub, Muchamore is conducting a virtual book tour to launch new titles from his Robin Hood books across 2022.
Saint Felix School was also pleased to virtually host Year 6 pupils from Warlingham School and Essendene Lodge – partner schools in the Inspired Learning Group family. The author visit was a chance to feel part of a broader community of learners, and to once again return to the enriching supercurricular activities which COVID has limited over the past few years.
Other cross-curricular activities throughout the day ranged from studying Agent Garbo in History of Spying, in which pupils constructed their own spy networks, to fingerprinting and CSI, in addition to testing their physical and intellectual mettle in a school-wide scavenger hunt and a game of capture the flag.
They ended the day putting their newfound spy knowledge into place in their own creative writing, inspired by Muchamore’s books. Already fans of writers such as John Boyne, Alex Rider and Anthony Horowitz some of the pupils were familiar with Muchamore’s work.
“Visits by children’s book authors, such as Robert, are welcomed by the school. Meeting the writer behind the story encourages further reading as well as creative writing. It’s always a great chance for pupils to ask questions about the writing process and gain insight into the life an author leads. The additional forensic science and history activities offered by Ms Dobson were a good way to enhance and widen the learning.” James Harrison, Headmaster