Dan Freedman Author Visit 2019

We launched a new strand to our Premier League Primary Stars project with a new scheme of work that combines aspects of the PSHE National Curriculum with reading, based on author Dan Freedman’s latest book ‘Unstoppable’.

120 year 5/6 pupils from local Blackpool primary schools attended the event held at Blackpool Football Club. Dan was in attendance and read some extracts from his new book which focuses on resilience and the transition progress through school. The children also had the opportunity to ask a range of questions about being an author, how to publish a book and even about meeting some famous football stars.

A carousel of activities was provided, including discussing some scenarios that could occur in high school and how these would be overcome, as well as having a go at drawing the scenes that Dan had read out.

All pupils were delighted to leave with their own copy of Dan’s new book to keep and Dan was able to give some signed copies to the schools that attended.

Callum, a pupil from Westminster said, “I liked it when Dan told us about how he came up with the idea for his characters. I can’t wait to read the book to hear how the characters develop.”

As a follow up to the event, the ‘Unstoppable’ scheme of work will be delivered back in school to the pupils who attended. The scheme focuses on subjects such as: appropriate adult relationships, secret keeping, family dynamics and signposting where to seek advice and help.

Jen Crofts, PE Officer at the Community Trust, said, “I was extremely pleased with how the event went. All children were completely engaged both with Dan and the activities planned.  The children were extremely excited to leave with a new book each and I hope it has encouraged them to read at home.  I am now looking forward to commencing the delivery of the new PSHE curriculum in schools that came along.”

This is the second author event that the Community Trust has held at the stadium with Dan Freedman, thanks to the Premier League Primary Stars programme, who came to Blackpool last year to meet winners of the Community Trust’s writing competition. This work is helping young pupils in primary schools across Blackpool to enjoy reading, a key life skill, which Dan is happy to be part of.

“Jen, Chris and the whole Trust team put on a really terrific event. The work that had gone in over the months building up to the event shone out. I genuinely hope and believe we changed some of the pupils’ lives for the better. That is all down to the passion, energy and achievements of the Trust. I am so proud to work alongside this incredible group of people”. 

The new scheme of work not only focuses on life skills relating to transition, but gives pupils the opportunity to read Dan’s latest book which will hopefully kickstart a lifelong passion of reading.

Alison, a teacher at Westminster, attended the event and believes it will have the desired effect.

“We had the pleasure of meeting Dan Freedman at the event, the children have been inspired by him and are excited to read his new book”.

We’re looking forward to delivering the scheme of work at Westminster this term and working with the pupils. Watch this space to find out how we get on!