
Year 7 students at Isca Academy have taken part in a live stream event with renowned author Joseph Coelho this term.
Joseph Coelho is an acclaimed British poet, playwright, and author of children’s books, celebrated for his dynamic performance poetry and popular works such as the Luna Loves… series and the CLiPPA-winning Werewolf Club Rules!. He served as Waterstones Children’s Laureate from 2022 to 2024 and was awarded an OBE in 2024 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to children’s literature.
The students had been given a copy of his book Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter, to read over the summer holidays as part of their transition programme from primary school. During the online session, Joseph talked with the students about his life, his job as an author, his inspirations, his books and his ambitions for the future. Students had the unique opportunity to ask questions and discuss the book together with Joseph which they loved.
At Isca Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, their English curriculum is designed to inspire a love of reading and develops confident, critical thinkers. Students explore a rich variety of texts, from Shakespeare and Dickens to contemporary poetry, while building their own voice through creative and academic writing.
Mrs Vicki Joyce, Headteacher at Isca Academy said:
“It was fantastic to see our Year 7 students so engaged and inspired by Joseph Coelho. Events like this bring reading to life and show our students that books can open doors to creativity, imagination, and ambition. Experiences like these perfectly complement our English curriculum and encourage students to develop their own voice.”