Type of Artist:
AuthorAs a primary school teacher/SENDCo I am very experienced working with large groups of children. My interactive talks include plenty of discussion and have a focus on developing the confidence of young writers, encouraging them to look for inspiration from the everyday events around them.
Writing workshops allow pupils to work at a variety of skill levels, crafting their writing to ensure that it is fit for the intended purpose. Workshops are fun and vibrant, with outcomes based on the new 2014 English National Curriculum.
I work with schools/libraries to create an event that suits your individual needs. I am passionate about promoting reading and writing for pleasure and enjoy working with pupils of all abilities. As well as talking to larger audiences I am happy to work with smaller groups of pupils for more targeted writing work (MAT or SEN) or focus on reading with pupils who are avid reading fans or reluctant readers.
Prefer to work with Year 5 – Year 9 for talks/workshops related to any of my books.
General creative writing workshops are suitable for KS2, KS3 and KS4.
No maximum limit for a talk as long as venue has appropriate facilities (microphone and powerpoint). Up to 30 (or one class if slightly over) for workshops.
One hour, all morning or full day sessions, working with schools to decide how that time is structured.
Any combination of talks/workshops can be provided, as the timetable requires.
45-60 minutes for talk plus time for book buying/signing afterwards.
Workshops are usually 60-90 minutes.
I am based in the South-West but am happy to travel if expenses are met, with overnight expenses as required.
Car at 45p per mile.
Train for longer distances.
DBS check for Wiltshire
Dandelion Clocks
Violet Ink
Five Things They Never Told Me (to be published on World Book Day, 2015)
"Rebecca spoke to a year seven group about, not only her journey to becoming a published author, but also her personal inspirations behind both of her books. The audience were clearly engaged throughout and some of the pupils even felt confident and inspired enough to talk about their own similar experiences during the Q and A session at the end. Rebecca was able to control the room with ease whilst also injecting enough humour into her talk and reading to keep the event lively and rewarding for the pupils in attendance."
Jo, Children’s Bookseller, Waterstones Salisbury
"I have seen Rebecca Westcott deliver some fantastic workshops to young people, from a broad age-range (9 to 13), very successfully, drawing them into her world of words. Her workshops were both a great deal of fun and, with her unique teaching background, really useful to inspire young people, giving them the belief that they too can take on writing AND enjoy reading.”
Jim Sells, Manager – Premier Reading Stars, National Literacy Trust
I extremely enjoyed your visit to our school (I am a student/pupil of year 6).It was really interesting and has encouraged me to
start writing a diary!
I was amazed when I heard that you were coming in to talk about dandelion clocks and the tasks were really cool (I especially liked the melting snowman and cheeses race).It has made me think more about writing and why we are writing at school.My favourite way to write is texting my friends.
Thank You so much for coming in.
(Harry, Y6 pupil at Shaftesbury Primary School)