The English Department

Nonsuch Literary Week 2010 marked the transformation of the school into a realm of fairytales and fantasy. Throughout the week our students were involved in many activities, including a literary film fest which featured four fantasy films, and a debate on the morality of fairy tales which after a valiant effort from both debating teams eventually passed the motion, “Is it ever ok to Lie, Steal and Murder?” The week was rounded off by a number of competitions including a poetry quiz, interhouse fairytale competition and the traditional door competition.

Students in Years 7 and 8 were invited to attend a reading and Q&A session with the renowned author Jane Ure, who discussed her books and inspired students to write about their own lives; and on National Poetry Day, Imtiaz Darker came to Nonsuch to speak to students in the library. This event proved especially useful for GCSE students who are currently studying some of her work in their anthology but was popular with all and proved a fitting tribute to the day.

Throughout the week English lessons were dedicated to reading. Other events included a creative writing workshop and on the final day staff in the English department and students in Year 7 and the sixth form dressed up as their favourite fairytale characters .
These events concluded a very successful week which we hope has inspired students to consider traditional fairytales, perhaps to write their own, and examine their interest in literature.

C Walsh