Writer helps kids tell tall tales (From Stroud News and Journal)

Writer helps kids tell tall tales

BEST selling novelist and former schools inspector Gervase Phinn returned to the classroom when he visited a Five Valleys school.

The author of The Other Side of the Dale and Over Hill and Dale was guest of honour at Thomas Keble School's key stage four achievements night.

He handed awards to 60 Year 10 and 11 pupils.

Gervase - whose own work is based on amusing accounts of his experiences as a head teacher and school inspector - presented the Year 10 student of the year award to Jamie Ponting and the Year 11 award to Clair Akhurst and Shelley Martin, who shared it.

Earlier, he delighted children in the English department, helping youngsters with autobiographical writing and the use of humour.

Thomas Keble head Chris Steer said his presentation was both amusing and moving.

"He spoke of the importance of a positive ethos within a school and congratulated staff and pupils for achieving such an atmosphere together with the excellent quality of work on display," he said.

"Gervase has often commented that children inspire his novels - maybe the pupils at Thomas Keble will feature in his next best seller!"

The school is holding a Key Stage three achievement evening tomorrow with special guest Colin Hassall, chair of the school governors, who is stepping down after seven years in the role.