January saw the first of seven visits by John Chalmers and Sandra Marrs of Graphic Novel writing / illustrating team Metaphrog. Our three year Patron of Reading partnership got off to a great start with all S1 pupils being introduced to the art of Graphic Novel planning and design.

The informative and practical workshop took pupils on a journey of discovery through different types of graphic novels before allowing them to create strong descriptive characters of their own. These workshops were very well received by pupils.

Returning in February Metaphrog worked with Heathryburn and West Park Primaries up at the Academy on a similar workshop theme.

Thirty S1 pupils then got the opportunity to work further on their previous character creation designing their own comic script with guidance from John and Sandra. Since the sessions, pupils have had the opportunity to finish their comics which will be displayed in school and on the Library blog next term.

We were pleased to receive a kind gift from Metaphrog of a class set of “Louis : Red Letter Day” and accompanying teacher lesson ideas. In between visits John and Sandra will be keeping in touch to recommend graphic novels to pupils.

The partnership with Metaphrog is a three year one so we will be looking forward to planning further visits and activities with them in the near future.