school
events
Fun & inspiring talks and workshops for ks1-ks5 which have reading (and writing!) for pleasure at their heart. Mix & match the events you’d like for the time you book me for.
The Events…
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Llama Glamarama
Perfect for: KS1
Runtime: 30-40 mins
Participants: Unlimited
Celebrate the grooviest (and most fabulous!) picture book in this colourful, energetic and fun-filled session for KS1. Includes an interactive reading of the book, dressing up for our own ‘Glamarama’ party and a group dance to a well-known disco classic…
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All the LOLs
Perfect for: KS2
Runtime: 50-55 mins
Participants: Unlimited
A laugh-out-loud and feel-good session which has reading for pleasure (and kids squawking like chickens!) at the heart of it! This whistle-stop tour of Simon’s middle-grade novels includes a hilarious interactive synopsis of the books with props and costumes, readings and Q&A.
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The Finn & Ted Show
Perfect for: Y6 & Y7
Runtime: 50-55 mins
Participants: Unlimited
Meet Finn and Ted – two boys who create mayhem wherever they go. From fiendish riddles to monstrous lies, this event captures the awkward nightmare of being a misunderstood pre-teen. Featuring awkward anecdotes from Simon’s own school days, riddle solving (with prizes!) and a contest to find the best liar in the year!
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Own the Awkward
Perfect for: Y8, Y9 & Y10
Runtime: 55 mins
Participants: Unlimited
Awkward teenage hilarity with a positive message? This is the session for you! This laugh-out-loud event includes comedy anecdotes from Simon’s own (hapless) school days, an interactive synopsis, and reminder of the power of comedy. There’s a joyful and positive section on LGBTQ+ representation which everyone will enjoy, followed by a reading and section about how Simon became an author.
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Freadom Fighters
Perfect for: Y9, KS4 & KS5
Runtime: 50 mins
Participants: Unlimited
From Simon’s own experiences of section 28 to modern day book bans, this event gives your students the tools they need to challenge censorship and fight for a fairer world where everyone’s voice is heard. Focuses on Carnegie nominated titles Gay Club! and Boy Like Me.
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Being an author
Perfect for: KS4 & KS5
Runtime: 55 mins
Participants: Unlimited
A career and craft focussed event aimed at students from Year 10 upwards. Simon will talk about his route into being an author, share advice for those thinking of a career in publishing, and provide top tips to give your writing the best chance of getting noticed.
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Comedy Writing Workshop
Perfect for: Upper KS2, KS3, KS4 & KS5 (Content adapted to all year groups)
Runtime: 60 mins
Participants: Maximum of 30 students
Get your students laughing as they learn how to create their own pieces of funny writing. Simon will take them through his 3-step process for creating a comedy underdog character, then a guided writing exercise will have them all creating funny stories in minutes.
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Creating Characters Workshop
Perfect for Upper KS2 & KS3 (adapted to all year groups)
Runtime: 60 mins
Participants: Maximum of 30 students
Writing doesn’t have to be all about being stuck behind a desk! This fun, energetic workshop sees students on their feet, as Simon uses his theatre background to help them create some original characters with a range of fast-paced drama-based exercises.
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Ideas Factory Workshop
Perfect for: KS1-KS3
Runtime: 60 mins
Participants: Maximum of 30 students
Where do the ideas for books come from? And once you have one, how to you develop it into a story? Find out in this action-packed and highly interactive workshop, guaranteed to get creativity flowing!
What People Are Saying
“entertaining … powerfully honest, compassionate and totally inclusive. He spoke to everyone in the room with conviction and passion.”
— The Priory Academy
“What an outstanding author talk and comedy writing workshop! Simon brought his books and characters to life in a laugh-out-loud and fun-filled session, which had students hooked!”
— John Smeaton Academy
“it takes an amazing author to capture the imagination of so many students that they want him back for a visit only months after the last.”
— Wirral Grammar School for Girls
“Simon’s visit was fantastic! The pupils were in stitches during the year group talks and got so much out of the workshops. He is definitely the most popular author we’ve had in to date.”
— Cavendish School
Prices & Booking
Up to 2 hours
£375
+ travel expenses
Your choice of talks or workshops + book signing
Popular
Up to 3 hours
£475
+ travel expenses
Your choice of talks or workshops + book signing
Up to 4 hours
£525
+ travel expenses
Your choice of talks or workshops + book signing
Virtual events can also be arranged with prices starting from £100 per hour. Travel expenses (from London) and overnight accommodation (where required) are charged on top of the fee, but will be agreed with you beforehand.
Event requirements vary from school to school so get in touch and we can provide a more accurate estimate of the total costs.
I have an enhanced DBS check and £10 million public liability insurance. Questions? Check out the FAQs or get in touch via the form below.
Enquire now