Category Archives: Patron of Reading

Patron of Reading

Metaphrog Red Shoes and other Tales book launch

IMG_2704Patrons of Reading metaphrog gave a talk to more than 250 pupils about the launch of their new Graphic Novel Red Shoes and other Tales.  metaphrog’s much anticipated new book, which includes modern day interpretations of two of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic tales was published in the UK in November 2015.

 

The talented duo gave an enthralling talk to pupils in P6 – S2 from Northfield Academy, St Machar Academy, Torry Academy, Holy Family RC School, Manor Park School, Muirfield School, Quarryhill School, Bramble Brae and West Park School.

Pupils were taken on a journey through various forms of graphic novels before being given some hints and tips on how to create their own comics.

Two years into our school partnership with metaphrog we are really seeing the benefits of this fantastic partnership. John and Sandra are instantly recognisable around school with our visitors never too busy to chat to the young people about school and their aspirations for the future.

A book fit event the day before saw most pupils in S1 and S2 reading the new Red Shoes and other Tales whilst cycling on spin bikes.   Feedback was pupils was very favourable with the dark storylines a sure hit with our readers.

Next year we will welcome John and Sandra back to work with the RME department on a project focussing on character development entitled Philosophers Island.

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Metaphrog and the “Red Shoes” Sept 2015

Northfield Academy are delighted to have our Patrons of Reading Metaphrog back in school running workshops to S1 pupils.  We are so pleased they could take time out of their busy schedule to visit us – particularly as they are currently writers in residence for the Edinburgh Book Festival.

Metaphrog have built a reputation for inspiring and encouraging young people through their distinctive graphic novel work and their visits this week have proved no different.  Pupils have enjoyed workshop sessions looking at graphic novels – particularly those that originated as fairy tales before getting time to create their own characters.  On Tuesday staff and senior pupils enjoyed a lunchtime session with metaphrog which was well received.

Pupils and staff were lucky to hear all about Metaphrog’s much anticipated new book “Red Shoes and other Tales” which includes modern day interpretations of two of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic tales. This will be published in the UK in November.

Metaphrog will be back with us in November to visit several more S1 classes before a special Northfield Academy book launch of “Red Shoes”.

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Patron of Reading

Visit by our Patrons of Reading Metaphrog

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This week we have been delighted to again welcome our Patrons of Reading Metaphrog back to Northfield Academy to work with S1 pupils in a series of graphic novel workshops.

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Pupils enjoyed working with metaphrog over several periods and were encouraged in their work to create their own comic strip of a famous Scottish scientist.

These workshops are part of a wider cross curricular school project to research, plan and draw a short comic strip about a famous Scottish Scientist. These will be showcased  soon on the TV screens in school. Several comics will be photographed frame by frame and music composed to create short films.

As part of the project a number of S1 classes will also attend an author talk by Allan Burnett – who has recently written “Invented in Scotland”.

Metaphrog also worked with Primary 7 pupils from Quarryhill Primary on an introductory workshop on graphic novels.

Graphic Novel Club, Patron of Reading

Metaphrog recommends 12 Graphic Novels

It was lovely to hear from John and Sandra of Metaphrog today. Our fantastic Patrons of Reading have compiled a suggested reading list of 12 Graphic Novels. We already have some in the Library and will add to this collection soon.

How many have you read?

Metaphrog recommends 12 Graphic Novels:

1. The Arrival by Shaun Tan (Hodder Children’s Books)

2. Coraline by Neil Gaiman & P. Craig Russell (Bloomsbury)

3. The Rainbow Orchid by Garen Ewing (Egmont)

4. Adolf series by Osamu Tezuka (Cadence Books)

5. Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi (Scholastics US)

6. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame and Michel Plessix (Papercutz)

7. Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz, Antony Johnston, Kanako & Yuzuru (Walker Books)

8. Bone by Jeff Smith (Scholastics US)

9. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Conan Doyle, Ian Edginton & Ian Culbard (Self Made Hero)

10. Silverfin by Charlie Higson & Kev Walker (Puffin)

11. Smile by Raina Telgemeier (Scholastics US)

12. The Phoenix comic magazine (David Fickling Books)

Patron of Reading, Uncategorized

Metaphrog Visits

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.

Patron of Reading

Patron of Reading – Metaphrog

Northfield Academy are delighted to announce their three year Patron of Reading partnership with graphic novel writer/illustrators John Chalmers and Sandra Marrs of metaphrog.  Several schools in England, Wales and  the central belt of Scotland have secured Patrons of Reading, though this is the first graphic novel pairing in the UK.

The Patron of Reading scheme was created by Tim Redgrave, School  Head in Wales and children’s author Helena Pielichaty. The scheme aims to promote reading for pleasure by giving young people the chance to interact with a real life author who can share their experiences and talk about what inspires them.

John and Sandra from metaphrog have been creating comics, graphic novels and illustrations since 1996, receiving critical acclaim worldwide.   They are proud to be working with Northfield Academy;

“We are delighted to be chosen as Patrons of Reading at Northfield Academy and it is very exciting to be the first ever graphic novelists to fill such a role in any school. Graphic novels are not only a means of engaging reluctant readers with literacy but are a lively form of literature for children and adults alike. We are looking forward to our partnership with the school and to encouraging the young readers, writers and artists.”

During their three year term as Patron of Reading at Northfield Academy metaphrog will contribute to the school in a variety of different ways. As well as organised talks/workshops metaphrog will keep in touch in a mutually beneficial partnership which hopes to encourage reading for pleasure across the school.

School Librarian Mandy Wilson is looking forward to the benefits the Patron of Reading partnership will bring:

“We are very privileged to be pairing up with the talented duo from metaphrog. Previous visits have inspired and encouraged youngsters through the medium of graphic novels. We are delighted they have agreed to pair up with our school and look forward to what the future holds.    The partnership on both sides will I am sure evolve into something truly great”