School Workshops
The Character Hunt
The great characters of fiction leap off the pages of the books they inhabit and into our imaginations because their authors have taken the trouble to breathe life into them, creating fully rounded beings. And now your pupils will get the chance to do that too, in The Character Hunt!
Introduction
In a lively whole-school assembly, children will meet The Mighty Pen a writer with plenty of wonderful ideas for stories – but no characters to put in them! The Pen, will, though, introduce your pupils to some archetypes – and challenge classes, a year group at a time, to take part in workshops designed to transform those archetypes into all-encompassing characters.
EYFS / P1 will muse over The Magician – and what it is that magicians love to do …
Year 1 / P2 will have a look at The Hero – and what heroes do when they’re not being heroic!
Year 2 / P3 will investigate The Villain – just where do villains hatch their plans?
Year 3 / P4 will shed light on the Lover – do lovers always have to be so soppy?
Year 4 / P5 will consider The Clown – and what makes them laugh!
Year 5 / P6 will analyse The Athlete – and where their competitive spirit comes from …
Year 6 / P7 will go into The Geek – what do they want most in the world?
The Character Hunt can accommodate the whole of up to a two-form entry school in a single day – and every school booking The Character Hunt will receive a digital download of follow-up ideas and resources.
| Year Groups | EYFS – KS2 |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | Literacy |
| Pupil Numbers | Suitable for up to 60 pupils at a time |
| Duration | Whole-School |
| Space | School Hall |
Workshop FAQs
How many pupils can take part?
The Character Hunt can accommodate up-to 60 pupils per workshop – that’s the whole of a two-form entry school in just one day!
What is the format of the day?
We will work with you to plan a timetable for the workshops, to suit the number of classes you would like to include – and around the specific timings of your school day. In a two-form entry primary school (with all year groups apart from Reception taking part in groups of up-to 60), the timetable might look like this:
09.00 – 09.20: Whole-school assembly, where your visitor will explain how they need the children’s help…
09.20 – 9.55: Year 1 stay in the hall for their workshop …
9.55 – 10.30: Year 2 come to the hall for their workshop …
10.30 – 11.05: Year 3 come to the hall for their workshop …
11.05 – 11.30: One Reception class have a visit, in their own setting …
11.30 – 11.55: The other Reception class have a visit, in their own setting …
LUNCH
1.00 – 1.40: Year 4 come to the hall for their workshop …
1.40 – 2.20: Year 5 come to the hall for their workshop …
2.20 – 3.00: Year 6 come to the hall for their workshop.
Are there any technical requirements?
Your visitor will need access to a laptop/ screen/projector set up in the school hall.
Are there any other whole-school literacy days?
Yes! If you’ve already enjoyed our The Character Hunt, then you might want to consider one of our other whole-school literacy days which include; A Visit from Bookman, The Extraordinary World of Fillolog and A Celebration in Rhyme.
“A massive thanks for the fantastic organisation of the event. Every member of staff I have spoken to only had really positive things to say about Zoe and her workshops. The children were engaged and excited from the start and really promoted reading which was exactly what I wanted. Look forward to hopefully using As Creatives again in the future!”
Related Workshops
The Extraordinary Adventures of Fillolog!
Whatever book our friend Vistie was reading as a little girl, it always featured Fillolog, an extraordinary creature with an extraordinary appetite for stories.
Counting Achievement Through Poetry
Counting Achievement Through Poetry uses poetry to celebrate the remarkable achievements of some remarkable people.
A Visit from Bookman
Bookman needs the children to help him begin rebuilding his memory and regain his superpower!