Author Betsy Tobin inspires Islington Arts and Media School pupils
STUDENTS at a Finsbury Park school have been given a platform to unleash their creative potential with the help of critically acclaimed author Betsy Tobin.
Sixteen GCSE students at Islington Arts and Media School contributed to an anthology, Things Are Not What They Seem, a compilation of poetry and short stories.
Selected students attended after-school workshops with Ms Tobin, who last year released her fourth novel, Crimson China.
The anthology’s title is taken from a nine-line poem by Year 10 pupil Juanita Johnson comparing a woman’s body to a bottle of Fanta Fruit Twist.
“It has been a real eye-opener working with Betsy,” Juanita said. “She is a great tutor and has been firm but fair with her criticism of our work.”
The workshops are supported by literacy charity First Story.
Published: 15th July, 2011
by PAVAN AMARA