Organisers of Jersey Festival of Words have announced details of this year’s Schools Programme.
The spectacle will bring live theatre, inspirational authors and exciting interactive events to schoolchildren across the island this September and run from 22nd to the 26th September.
The programme, kindly supported by the Roy Overland Charitable Trust, will feature a dual-language touring production of Eric Carle’s classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar, performed in both English and Jèrriais by Flair Entertainment in partnership with the Jèrriais Teaching Service. The show is aimed at KS1 children and celebrates the launch of the Jèrriais translation, La Carpéleuse Hardi Affanmée, and will be delivered directly to schools throughout the week.
Secondary schools will be treated to a trio of thought-provoking and imaginative author events at Jersey College for Girls. On Tuesday 23rd, bestselling author Sarah Underwood will explore themes of mythology, love and grief in her dazzling new YA novel Gentlest of Wild Things. On Wednesday 24th, Tia Fisher presents Crossing the Line – a powerful verse novel about a teenager caught up in county lines – before introducing her newest title Not Going to Plan.
Back-to-back events at the Freedom Centre on Thursday 25th will see comedian-turned-author Helen Rutter (main picture) bring laughter and empathy to Years 3–6 in a lively, choose-your-own-adventure style event based on her latest book The Boy with the Big Decisions. She’ll be followed by motivational speaker Patrick Kane, whose event Human 2.0 celebrates the world of bionics and the real-life technological advances changing lives – including his own.
On Friday 26th, the Freedom Centre will host two more exciting sessions. Bestselling children’s author and illustrator Kate Pankhurst will inspire Years 1–3 to become curious inventors in We Are All Inventors, while Tom Vaughan will challenge older primary students with Greek mythology quizzes and hilarious storytelling drawn from his hit Hercules series in Hero to Zero.
“This year’s schools line-up has something for every age and reading level – from live theatre and mythology to laughter, invention and powerful real-life stories,” said Festival chair Lucy Cotter. ‘We’re especially excited to include a touring production in Jèrriais and English, reflecting our commitment to celebrating local language and identity alongside global stories.”
