Berwick Literary Festival
Schools’ and Young People's Programme

From the outset, our work with local schools has always been a very important aspect of the Festival. Each year we aim to provide a range of projects and events to engage young people and enrich the curriculum. The Schools' and Young People's Programming Group talk to teachers about what would be useful and feasible activities to enhance the schools' curriculum activities.

We welcome authors and workshop leaders of diverse backgrounds, cultures, nationalities and genres to inspire our children. We are delighted to involve over 900 children each year in our activities and in 2024 we increased engagement to include Eyemouth High School and Berwick EOTAS (Education other than at School) pupils.

Local Storyteller Chris Adriaanse worked with students at Berwick Academy on a new Commission funded by Create Berwick’s Living Heritage fund called Difficult Conversations. The projected culminated in the production of a book, which is available to purchase.  Proceeds will go back into the schools' programme in years to come. Email [email protected] for more information.

Students from Berwick Academy and Eyemouth High school took part in a new project initiated and named within the schools.  A Literary Conversation  involved a class at each school writing recommendation cards, which were handed over at a launch event in Berwick Library. Cards were displayed in schools' and Berwick library. 2024 Recommended Books

Credit Pictorial Photography

And there was more for high school students covering a wide range of topics from the destigmatisation of mental health issues; the impact of AI and why LGBTQ+ teens need funny books more than ever. Tiktok star and best-selling poet Len Pennie discussed her book Poyums with 6th formers; Chris Stokel-Walker performed 2 events on his book How AI Ate The World and Simon James Green made everyone laugh out loud recounting anecdotes from his (hapless) school days.

"Always a pleasure to work with the coordinators who always put the school’s needs first." (Head of English, Berwick Academy)

 

We would like to thank our sponsors and donors, whose generosity makes the Berwick Literary Festival Schools’ Programme possible.