Schools Day One: Wednesday 12 May 2010 (Years 7-10)

Schools Day Two: Thursday 13 May 2010 (Years 9-13) and Charlie Higson (Years 7-13) 

Download the full School Programme 2010. (PDF)

For a list of important dates for your diary and deadlines for booking and applications, download here. (PDF)

For a Schools Programme booking form, Download Here. (PDF)

The Auckland Writers & Readers Festival invites teachers and students to take part in the festival’s Schools Programme in May 2010. Be inspired and entertained by writers over a range of genres in sessions aimed to get the creative juices flowing.

For Teachers

Teachers, this is a wonderful opportunity for your students to engage with and be inspired by fiction and non-fiction writers, songwriters and poets in a fun, educational and interactive day. The Schools Programme takes place in the Aotea Centre in central Auckland, in the ASB Theatre (Level 2) and the Lower NZI Room (Level 1). While secondary school students of English and Media Studies may seem the most obvious choice to attend, the programme is not necessarily restricted to students in those courses.

Writers will talk about their craft, read from their work and are particularly keen on interaction and questions from the students. Students will also have the chance to meet the writers and have their books signed. Books by participating authors will be available for purchase at the Festival Bookshop or students can bring in their own copies of books for signing on the day.

Schools Day One (Wednesday 12 May)
features performance poet Charlie Dark (UK), and award-winning New Zealand writers Anna Mackenzie (Hawke’s Bay), William Taylor (Raurimu) and Des Hunt (Coromandel).

Schools Day Two (Thursday 13 May)
features Charlie Higson (UK), David Levithan (USA), Professor John Carey (UK) on William Golding: The Man who wrote Lord of the Flies, Leon Davidson on his earth-shattering new history Zero Hour, Anne Salmond and Thomas Keneally (AUS) on early New Zealand and Australian settlers, Anna Mackenzie with her new book Ebony Hill, the sequel to the award-winning Sea Wreck Stranger, Dave Armstrong on Niu Sila and writing plays, and Ivy Lies on songwriting.

The College Herald Workshops

This year, we have introduced two writing workshops each day for students (maximum 20 students per workshop, $10 each). These workshops provide highly motivated students with a rare opportunity to learn and be inspired by Anna Mackenzie on Creative Writing, Dave Armstrong on writing drama, and Charlie Dark on writing and performing poetry. Read more about the College Herald Workshops here.

Schools Transport Fund

Once again, we are offering schools the opportunity to apply for a Schools Transport Fund grant aimed to provide assistance with travel costs to get to the Aotea Centre. Please see the Schools Transport Fund Application Form and more information in Booking Information.

The Auckland Writers & Readers Festival is committed to educating and inspiring young readers and writers, and we are delighted to give them the opportunity to connect with the people behind the books and other genres we know they both already know and love, and those they will enjoy discovering.

We look forward to seeing you in May.