Villiers High get it 'write'

Villiers High School in Southall, London, has welcomed six celebrities to an event called 'Write Brothers'. Five writers a comedian and a press officer ran workshops with the students on 5 November on themes as diverse as war, comedy and suspense.

Author Nick Hornby led a very popular workshop and spoke about writing, fame and the 'X Factor'!

Andrew Mueller leading a workshop with pupils at Villiers School

Andrew Mueller, author and journalist, brought along an armoured vest, a requirement for a war journalist. The students had fun trying it on.

Sean Kemp, deputy head of press for the Liberal Democrats, was quizzed on the coalition government. He said being interviewed by the School Reporters was as tough as the prime ministerial debates!

James Brabazon speaking to School Reporters

Writer and producer James Brabazon thrilled the students with stories about working in a war zone. He said he was shot at several times.

School Reporters interviewing Richard Herring

School Reporters had a chance to interview all of the speakers about their aspirations as teenagers. Comedian Richard Herring, whose father was a head teacher, said he'd always wanted to be funny.

Thriller novelist Peter Grimsdale speaks to the pupils about building suspense in their stories.

Thriller novelist Peter Grimsdale spoke to the pupils about building suspense in their stories.

School Reporter Lekhika, 14, asks the students for their thoughts on the day.

School Reporter Lekhika, 14, asked the students for their thoughts on the day. Anmol said the talk by James Brabazon changed his "perspective on friendship and trust".

Teacher Chloe Combi leads a question and answer session in the school hall

Teacher Chloe Combi led a question and answer session after the workshops. She saw each of the students as a potential writer and encouraged them to use their creativity and pursue their ambitions.

Richard Herring has the students laughing with a mini stand-up routine in the school hall

Richard Herring had the students laughing with a mini stand-up routine. He joked with the students: "Maybe in ten to fifteen years time I'll be really funny!"

Nick Hornby is given a grilling by Nikita, 15.

Nick Hornby was given a grilling by Nikita, 15. He told her he never dreamed he could make a living as a writer.

Richard Herring signing autographs for students

The speakers all signed autographs and posed for photos at the end of the day.

After a brilliant set of workshops, students and speakers all agreed it was the 'Write Club' to be in!

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version

Skip to top

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BBC navigation

BBC links

- Parental Guidance

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.

BBC News

Related BBC sites

Villiers High get it 'write'

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BBC iD

BBC navigation

BBC links