Cross-curricular workshops look at a particular aspect of science related to the National Curriculum, often from an unusual point of view. They lead to the children writing a creative, but scientifically accurate, piece covering a range of text types (for example, diary entries, report, newspaper article or story).

Materials - Years 2 to 3
This is based on How a Book is Made, which I wrote for Heinemann Library, looking at the materials and printing processes involved in producing a book.

Friction - Year 4
What is friction? How do we use it to our advantage and why do we sometimes try to minimise it?

Living in space - Year 5
How do astronauts cope with zero gravity? This workshop looks at how they move, eat, sleep and wash.

Light bulbs - Year 6
Traditional light bulb waste 90% of electricity as waste heat. This workshop looks at how low-energy light bulbs can help o combat climate change and save money!

How a non-fiction book is made - Years 4 to 6
In this interactive workshop the children work in groups, taking the roles of editor, author, designer and illustrator. They produce sample spreads, cover designs and book plans – as publishers do when deciding on a new series.

I have CRB clearance, with an Enhanced Disclosure certificate (issued January 2006), and Public Liability insurance cover for visits to schools as a writer.


What they said:
The children enjoyed the science writing workshops and, because they combine science and literacy, they helped them understand the science much better.
Mrs Neocleous, New North Community School,
London 2006.

The girls enjoyed the workshops and have done some great follow-up work.
Sophie Morley, Seaton House School, Sutton, Surrey.

I have done several writer-in-residences in various schools in Islington, London. These are some of the comments made by the children following one residency:

I liked working with Angela because she is a science writer and she helped us with the writing. Yasemin

Angela helped us with the experiments, talking to us about the problems, and she encouraged us. Frankie

It was hard sometimes to do the writing. My experiment was difficult to put into words but we managed it. Dylan