Esteemed children's author Ross Welford visits Burford School

On Thursday, December 7 2023, Burford School had the pleasure of hosting the renowned author, Ross Welford, for a day filled with literary exploration and inspiration. The atmosphere was abuzz with creativity as students immersed themselves in two engaging creative writing workshops. 

The workshops kicked off with a captivating prompt: "When I opened my eyes, I knew I was in trouble." This simple yet intriguing sentence sparked the imagination of Year 8 and Year 7 students alike. Guided by Mr Welford, the students ventured into the realms of storytelling, crafting narratives that unfolded in diverse settings, each with their own unique challenges. 

One standout moment came when Emma H shared her imaginative tale with the class. Ross Welford eagerly expressed his anticipation for "Chapter 2!" It was a testament to the wealth of creativity that resides within our student body. 

Following the workshops, Year 7 students gathered in the main hall for an enchanting talk. The air was filled with magic tricks and captivating stories that held our students spellbound. One of the highlights was witnessing Ross Welford weave a story using ideas contributed by the students. This interactive session demonstrated how disparate variables and ideas could come together to create a cohesive and enthralling narrative. 

As we reflect on this extraordinary day, let us consider the words Ross Welford shared with us from E. B. White: "The best writing is rewriting."  This statement encapsulates the essence of the writing process - highlighting the importance of revision, refinement, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in storytelling. 

We extend our gratitude to Ross Welford for sharing his expertise and passion with our students. The day was a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of our aspiring writers. We look forward to nurturing and celebrating the literary talents that were undoubtedly ignited during this memorable visit.