Author Anthony McGowan Visits Penrice Academy for Storytelling Workshops

Anthony McGowan brings storytelling to life at Penrice Academy

Students at Penrice Academy in St Austell were treated to a special visit on Monday 9th June, when award-winning young-adult author Anthony McGowan spent the day inspiring the next generation of readers and writers.

Anthony, who won the prestigious Carnegie Medal in 2020 for his novel Lark, kicked off the day with an assembly for all of Year 8 before hosting a series of workshops with selected students in Years 7 to 10.

Tales of truth, fiction and life in 1970s Leeds

Known for his gritty and heartfelt stories, Anthony shared what inspired his writing, including stories from his own school days. Year 10 student Isabel said:

“His stories about what inspired him were gripping and also quite shocking. But I thought the message about the relationship between truth and fiction was an interesting one.”

Harry, a Year 9 student, added:

“I enjoyed the storytelling element because I had liked reading Lark last year.”

Lark, which follows two boys of a similar age to Penrice students, is part of the school’s Year 8 tutor time reading sessions.

A chance to connect with the creative process

Reflecting on the visit, Mrs Hague, Reading Champion at Penrice, said:

“Anthony McGowan has won so many awards for his books that we were thrilled when he agreed to visit our school. His book, Lark, is read in Year 8 and revolves around two boys of similar age to our students. He brought to life the inspiration for this book and had us all gripped with tales of his own schoolboy experiences in 1970s Leeds. The experience encouraged students to see the magic of storytelling in a new light, and allowed them to connect with the creative process. I’d like to thank Anthony for helping to inspire the next generation of readers and writers in such an entertaining way.”

Anthony himself called the visit “a delight, from beginning to end.”

What’s next for Anthony McGowan?

Earlier this year, Anthony published his latest book The Beck – an environmental story with his usual blend of grit, heart and humour. He’s also working on a new book titled Birdlands, which is expected to be released next year.

The Carnegie Medal, which Anthony won for Lark, has been awarded annually since 1936 and is regarded as the UK’s oldest and most prestigious award for children’s writing.

📷L-R Mrs Alison Hague, Reading Champion at Penrice Academy / Mr Anthony McGowan, Award-Winning Author / Miss Susi Tooley, English Teacher at Penrice Academy. Photo taken in the Penrice Academy Library.