Telling tales at Corby school pupils' magical story sessions

Pupils at a school in Corby have celebrated World Book Day with a traditional storyteller Zooming into their classrooms for a virtual book-based lesson.

Priors Hall - A Learning Community (ALC) students were treated to a series of tales from Richard York, a traditional storyteller, multi-instrumental musician and composer.

In celebration of World Book Day on March 4, the stories were brought to life for pupils from the school in the event organised by housebuilder Barratt Homes

Mr York said: “It was a delight to work with this school again to celebrate World Book Day. Traditional storytelling can give so much to people of all ages, as well as children and these days it's more important than ever.

“Their responses show how much the magic of these stories, often passed down over many hundreds of years, can still come through despite the limitations of having to work online rather than the shared experience of being in the room together.

“Thank you to Barratt Homes for providing this opportunity, and to the school for being so cooperative.”

Due to the Covid pandemic Barratt Homes transformed its usual storytelling event to go online so that all the children whether at home or in school could could still enjoy the stories.

Tess McQuade, headteacher at Priors Hall ALC, said: "The children really enjoyed the engaging storytelling sessions with Richard. We had truly captivated audiences across the school, whether the children were six years old or eleven years old. Thank you to Barratt Homes for enriching our school's World Book Day celebrations."

The children experienced first-hand how oral storytelling has allowed stories to survive and evolve over thousands of years, and across continents.

Alison Raine, sales director at Barratt Homes Northampton, said: “It was a pleasure to invite pupils from Priors Hall ALC to join us for a storytelling morning and Richard’s stories really enchanted the children which was great to see.

“Events such as these give Barratt Homes the opportunity to make a difference in the communities in which they build and encourage skills such as reading, writing, listening and creativity.”