On Monday, WAS Changzhou had the unique privilege of hosting the esteemed British author, Mr Steve Cole. His workshop, brimming with creativity and inspiration, was a rare opportunity for our students to glean valuable insights for their future creative paths. The author's visit not only enriched our academic and cultural exchange but also significantly broadened our students' international perspectives.
Mr Steve Cole is a bestselling author known for his thrilling series, including Astrosaurs, Young Bond, and Secret Agent Mummy. As an author of over 200 books selling over 3 million copies, he truly knows how to inspire imaginations and make reading fun.
The discussion with Steve Cole was not only fascinating but also a significant milestone for us, marking our first in-person author event since Covid. This vibrant experience of live interaction was a testament to the power of such events in extending our students' literary horizons. The visit was a strategic move to enhance what students already do in class – exploring literature, developing their writing skills, and sparking creativity. By bringing in an author like Steve, we aimed to show students how the skills they are building in class can translate into real-world storytelling.
Mr Steve Cole took the students on an exciting journey through the fascinating evolution of spy gadgets, showing how these tools have changed over time and how they can spark ideas for storytelling. He explained how he used this knowledge to shape the storylines in his Young Bond series, giving students a glimpse into the creative process behind his books. It was genuinely intriguing for the students, as they discovered new ways to think about writing and storytelling.
During his presentation, students were captivated by Steve's dynamic presentation skills, learning more about the writing process and how to embrace curiosity and creativity in their work. The workshop sessions were a highlight, providing students with a unique opportunity to work directly with Steve to brainstorm and shape their story ideas. This hands-on experience not only boosted their confidence but also helped them see themselves as writers. With Steve's guidance, they were able to tap into their creativity and produce some truly imaginative pieces, experimenting with settings, adjectives, and verbs to understand how these elements can influence a storyline. It was a fantastic learning experience that left them eager to explore their writing further.
Looking to the future, we are excited about the prospect of author visits becoming a regular part of our school experience. Bringing in diverse voices and perspectives reinforces our classroom learning and inspires students to read more broadly, think more creatively, and connect meaningfully with stories. The school is thrilled to offer opportunities like this that help the love of reading flourish, and we look forward to more such enriching experiences.
