On Wednesday 10th October, we were very lucky to have the famous and award winning author, Beverley Naidoo, visit our school.  During the day Beverley gave two different presentations: to Lower School in the morning, and another to Upper School in the afternoon. A small group of Year 6 pupils also conducted an interview with Beverley, asking her interesting and probing questions about her stories and her life.

During the presentations Beverley shared information about growing up in South Africa, under apartheid and how she and others fought for equality and justice for all which eventually lead to her exile to Britain. A real treat was when Beverley shared her process as a writer, talking about the importance of editing and rehearsing your writing until you get it exactly right – a good example to our own aspiring authors!  Beverley also performed some of her poems, with the help of Whitehall Junior pupils who put great effort and enthusiasm into their performance.  Pupils particularly enjoyed hearing her read extracts from some of her stories aloud, including, perhaps her most famous book, ‘Journey to Jo’Burg’.  At the end of the day, Beverley was signing books on the playground until 4.30pm! It was an inspiring visit and lovely to see many of our pupils clutching their signed books tightly, ready for a quality read!