Schools

The Schools’ Programme was first introduced as part of the Isle of Wight Literary Festival’s Youth Programme in 2014. Its aim is to inspire thousands of Island children to read, write, listen and tell stories, by bringing authors, storytellers and performers into a wide range of Island schools over a two day period.

In 2022, after a two year pause due to Covid restrictions, 1,200 pupils were able to take part in the Schools’ Programme, with five authors visiting schools over two days. Ryde School continued to act as a hub school, as it had done since the introduction of the Schools’ Programme. Its pupils along with those from visiting schools were engerised by award-winning author Nicholas Allan, who read from his book, Picasso’s Trousers and set fun activities for the children to do afterwards.  Neal Layton, illustrator and author, focused on his books with an environmental theme. Non-fiction author, Isabel Thomas, brought the school hall alive with her science demonstrations and hands-on activities. Inspirational poet, Joe Craig, led lively poetry sessions which made the genre accessible and exciting.

Lanesend Primary School welcomed Nicholas Allan, Isabel Thomas and inspiring author Matt Brown, who created the Compton Valance series and the sci-fi horror stories in Dreary Inkling School series.

Cowes Enterprise College was visited by Joe Craig and talented cartoonist, Kev Sutherland. Cowes Enterprise College is looking forward to welcoming visiting schools to join them this year.

2019 Schools Programme

Jane Porter, Mo O’Hara, Matt Brown, Jules Marriner, Paul Lyalls, Peta Rainford, Karl Nova and Steve Webb are among the writers, poets and illustrators who took part in the 2019 Schools Programme.