Ulverston Victoria High School

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UVHS English Department has undertaken a number of initiatives after joining the PTI Schools Programme. One major event we ran this year was the UVHS Literary Festival (involving all primary and secondary feeder schools) which proved to be a huge success. The day involved 2 competitions: the UVHS writing competition (theme:  'The Key') and the 'Get Caught Reading' competition. Prizes were awarded in several categories: School Years 3-4, 5-6, 7-9 and10-13.

Before the prize-giving ceremony, there were events throughout the day, including students reading popular fiction for all age ranges, face painting and writing opportunities.

Two authors visited the school to speak to the audience, run workshops with finalists and present the prizes in the afternoon. Daniel Blythe gave a world exclusive by reading from his latest Dr Who novel, 'Autonomy' and Sandra Glover , whose novels include ‘Spiked’ and ‘You’, also read from her latest novel. This event will now run annually.

Another successful strategy we used was to create ‘secret mission’ statements to encourage people to join the school newspaper group. We then provided ‘press passes’ to each student involved, to provide a group identity and encourage participation. School newspaper production now runs at one per half term.

Ulverston Victoria High School is a mixed comprehensive, aged 11-18 years, based in southern Cumbria.