Isle of Wight Literary Festival Inspires Thousands of Children through Author Visits

Strategic Insights -

The Isle of Wight Literary Festival's Schools' Programme welcomed over 20 authors to visit nearly every school on the island, aiming to instill a love of reading and creativity in students aged 8-18. The programme, now in its strongest form, has made a significant impact, with authors leading storytelling sessions, workshops, and discussions to inspire young minds. The festival's efforts come at a time when the UK is experiencing its lowest levels of reading for pleasure nationwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Isle of Wight Literary Festival's Schools' Programme has grown in strength, delivering leading authors to every primary and nearly every secondary school on the island.
  • The programme has made author visits free for every school thanks to the generosity of donors.
  • The festival aims to combat the UK's lowest levels of reading for pleasure nationwide, with author visits sparking a lifelong love of literature in young people.
  • Participating authors included Anthony McGowan, winner of the Carnegie Medal, and John Dougherty, a poet and storyteller.
  • The Let's Go See children's brand launched its Educational Outreach Programme in 36 Island primaries as part of the festival.
  • The Isle of Wight is one of the UK's most disadvantaged literacy areas, with one in three children leaving school unable to read at age level.
  • Author Philip Kavvadias engaged with students at Brighstone CE Primary School, asking for their opinions on his stories and promising to incorporate their ideas into his next series.
  • Planning is underway for the 2026 Schools' Programme, which will tie into the government's National Year of Reading 2026.

Statistics:

  • Over 20 authors visited schools on the Isle of Wight as part of the festival's programme.
  • The festival welcomed students from virtually every school across the island, aged 8-18.
  • Low levels of reading for pleasure nationwide are a concern, with author visits identified as a potential solution.
  • One in three children in the Isle of Wight leave school unable to read at age level, making it one of the UK's most disadvantaged literacy areas.
  • 36 Island primaries launched the Let's Go See children's brand's Educational Outreach Programme as part of the festival.

Sources:

  • [https://www.isleofwightgazette.co.uk/news/17381758.isle-of-wight-literary-festival-2022/highlights-from-isle-of-wight-literary-festival-2022-sch](https://www.isleofwightgazette.co.uk/news/17381758.isle-of-wight-literary-festival-2022/highlights-from-isle-of-wight-literary-festival-2022-sch)
  • [https://www.isleofwightgazette.co.uk/news/17522023.isle-of-wight-literary-festival-book-awards-winners-announced](https://www.isleofwightgazette.co.uk/news/17522023.isle-of-wight-literary-festival-book-awards-winners-announced)