Over the last two weeks, Bradford Literature Festival (BLF) has welcomed thousands of Primary and Secondary school students from local schools as it hosted 12 free education days.
Taking place on the University of Bradford campus as well as St. George’s Hall in the city centre, the programme featured topics such as Ancient Egypt, Shakespeare, Performance Poetry, Dystopia and Utopia, Under the Sea, and more.
Each day consisted of five sessions with authors, poets and experts taking to the stage to deliver engaging, interactive sessions which built upon the National Curriculum and expand upon topics learned in school. The days also supported the National Year of Reading, which BLF is proud to promote.
Students said:
“When I listened to the story (about Medusa) it made me feel really happy. I’d like to come back next year because it was very fun.”
“My favourite part of today was the storytelling, all the stories were funny and had their own sense of humour. (The event) made me feel happy and joyful, and today I learned that stories have no limitation.”
“My favourite part was when we started with funny stories. I liked the story with the djinn, it was very good, it made me feel very excited. I want to tell my teacher a big thank you because they’ve brought us today and they’re going to bring us next year.”
“My favourite part was the colouring, when you had to colour the sea creatures. (I learned) that clownfish can go in sea anemones and not get stung. I enjoy coming out of class and going different places like (Bradford) literature festival.”
A teacher from Feversham Primary Academy said: “It’s important to bring children (to the Education Programme) because it helps them build self-esteem and confidence in their own cultures. (It allows them to) be more involved in their literacy, helps them understand how important oral storytelling is, and it’s a springboard for them to be good writers in the future. I would tell teachers to bring the students along; I’ve been coming here for quite a number of years and it’s an uplifting experience for youngsters as well as teachers.”
Syima Aslam, CEO and Artistic Director at BLF, said: “Working with the schools, educators and students is so important to the festival and it’s a pleasure to be able to welcome students and teachers alike. Building a love of learning starts when children are very young and we’re thrilled that schools keep returning year after year to our Education Programme.”
As well as the in-person Education Programme, BLF has an expansive, free Digital Education Programme. This is available online now and, like the education days, builds upon the National Curriculum: https://www.bradfordlitfest.co.uk/digital-education-programme/
The BLF Education Programme will return in 2027. Sign up now to be notified of when tickets are available: https://www.bradfordlitfest.co.uk/education-programme-registration-form/
