Catherine Bruton

Type of Artist:

Author talk and/or writing workshop

Option A I can run a straight forward author talk/ assembly, themed around one or all of my books. I usually theme this around ‘Top Tips for Being An Author’, using examples of ‘Where I get Ideas from’ ‘Researching a Story’ ‘Planning, Writing and Editing’ interspersed with readings from the books, with news of exciting competitions at the end, a follow up writing activity and a Q and A session. N.B. Some schools like me to focus particularly on ‘No Ballet Shoes in Syria’ and the themes of refugees and migrants for Refugee Week or a school/ class topic.

Option B – I can also run a writing session themed around one of my books, including reading from the book, chance for all students to produce a piece of their own writing and for students to share their work

• Themed around of my books ‘No Ballet Shoes in Syria’, ‘Another Twist in the Tale’ or ‘Following Frankenstein



• Structured writing activity to ensure successful outcomes for students of all abilities



• For ‘No Ballet Shoes in Syria’ I run a session on ‘Telling a Story using 4/5 objects’ by the end of which they will have written an opening and one/ two paragraphs and planned the rest of their story



• For ‘Another Twist in the Tale’ and ‘Following Frankenstein’ I run a session on ‘Spin Off Stories’ by the end of which students will have written a complete story/ poem



• For each, I talk a bit about the book, inspirations, research etc and read short extracts



• Students write in short bursts –3/ 4 minutes at a time with very clear framework/ scaffolding to ensure success for students of all ability levels



• Students get chance to share their work with the class



• Time for a Q and A at the end



• Extension work for teacher to follow up in future lessons

Details

Works well with Years 5,6,7, 8.

I am totally flexible on this. The writing session obviously students need to be able to write, but if in a large hall they can bring books and write on their laps. Smaller groups means that more kids get to share their work, but I’ve done the writing workshop with 12 or 250 and it works either way

Ideally no more than 3. Can do 4 at a push

45 - 60 minutes for a talk
60 – 90 minutes for a workshop

Ideally, within a day’s drive of Bath. However, I am happy to consider further afield. As I teach 3 days a week, it depends on fitting round teaching commitments.

Car 45p per mile

Please email us for details

DBS

Yes

catherinebruton.com

No Ballet Shoes in Syria’
Another Twist in the Tale
Following Frankenstein
The ‘Somersaults and Dreams’ series (under the pen name Cate Sheawrater)

‘Our online session with Catherine Bruton was one of the best author sessions we have ever had! From the outset she engaged the class, helping them to create their own pen names, giving us some insight into her books and explaining how she creates her characters! Her humour and gentle way of ensuring they were also learning about the craft of writing throughout meant they were totally focussed for the whole session. The children came away feeling inspired and enthused and all the staff present commented on what a wonderful session it was, we would highly recommend a visit from her.’ Kate B,

English Teacher, British School in Paris

‘My Year 5 class were fortunate enough to enjoy a video call with Catherine and I cannot recommend her sessions highly enough. She was inspirational, engaging and incredibly patient! The children adored meeting her, playing her ‘pen name’ game, asking her endless questions and even reading some of her recommended reads after the session. She further ignited their passion for reading and it was clear she is very experienced working with children. The session was relaxed, well organised and cemented Catherine’s place as many of our pupils’ favourite author.’

Linda Canning, Year 5 teacher

‘Having had Catherine visit our school online in the last year was an absolute pleasure and a treat. The children were enthralled not only by her story telling but also by the way she engaged with them directly, discussed where she finds inspiration for her books and how the writing process looks for her. The children were particularly excited by the idea of writing their own version of their favourite books from the perspective of the the villain in the story for which Catherine gave us some brilliant examples. The children were so unbelievably engaged and kept mentioning the session long after it was finished. Truly inspiring - thank you again.’

Mr Poulton, Year 5/ 6 class teacher

‘Catherine is an excellent author who visited us at the Bishop Of Llandaff CiW High virtually at easter time in 2021. Many students from the LRC showed up virtually via teams and had a lovely time, members of staff received emails afterwards saying how much they enjoyed it! It truly did put a smile on our faces in a confusing and rather gloomy time in the middle of the pandemic. She is basically superwoman as she teaches too! Catherine actually made us all have stiff cheeks by the end of the session! We look forwards to being allowed to get Catherine in school and meet our wonderful students sometime soon!’

Librarian, BOLHS

‘My Year 6 class absolutely LOVED the fact theycould talk to a ‘real live author’ - they were buzzing with excitement. They really enjoyed asking questions about No Ballet Shoes in Syria, as well as asking what it’s like to be an author. It even inspired one pupil to write her own sequel chapter at home. The session really helped to build the children’s enthusiasm towards reading. They felt really special when they received a letter and signed bookmarks too. Thank you so much!’

Miss B, Year 6 Teacher

‘An inspiring and captivating virtual assembly. Children and adults alike were mesmerised. Great writing tips and advice given,’

Kelly B, Courthouse Junior School.

‘Our Y7 book club enjoyed a brilliant virtual visit from Catherine Bruton to discuss Another Twist in the Tale.  Catherine was a pleasure to work with.  She was extremely generous with her time, was flexible when it came to fitting the ‘visit’ into the school day, and was most forgiving of various technical glitches.  Catherine interacted easily and spontaneously with the children, and brought a whole new side to their understanding and enjoyment of the book.  Highly recommended!’

H. Kimberley, Librarian, The Langley Academy 

I have worked as an English and Drama teacher since 1996 and so I am pretty attuned to the needs of schools, and good at structuring sessions to maintain engagement and to ensure that there are really positive learning out comes for  students of all abilities, as well as leaving teachers with things they can develop in the classroom after the session is over