Author Visit Inspires Year 7 Writers at HAB!

On Thursday 2nd October, the HAB Library buzzed with excitement as we welcomed back acclaimed author Catherine Johnson! Her powerful novel Freedom is a cornerstone of our Year 7 English curriculum, and students were absolutely thrilled to meet the writer behind the story they’ve been exploring in class.

Catherine ran three dynamic workshops for lucky Year 7 classes, offering a behind-the-scenes look into the life of a professional author. Students dove straight into creative activities, warming up their imaginations with naming games and inventing their own neologisms—brand new words with brand new meanings!

Next, Catherine shared practical tips on how to write stories for pleasure, encouraging students to find their voice and embrace their creativity. Using a selection of found objects as inspiration, students crafted their own stories, unlocking the authors within. The room was filled with imagination, drama, and a real sense of achievement as students read their work aloud and celebrated each other’s ideas.

The highlight of the day came when Catherine answered questions about Freedom. Students had been bursting with curiosity about the plot, the characters, and the inspiration behind the novel—and Catherine didn’t disappoint! Her thoughtful responses and encouragement left everyone feeling inspired and empowered to write their own stories.