On the 5^th of November 2019 Year 13 English Literature students enjoyed a trip to London to see this year's English and Media Centre English Literature Conference. Boasting a variety of speakers covering topics all the way from the ancient world to the present day, we had the opportunity to listen to an engaging introduction to Homer's ‘The Iliad' through to prize-winning poets Theresa Lola and Raymond Antrobus' contemporary work. Some of us also had the opportunity to take part in Conor Short's fabulous Shakespearean comedy workshop which allowed us to explore the dynamics of Elizabethan and Jacobean actors and their audiences alongside what makes Shakespeare’s comedies so enduring. Despite studying all tragedy texts at A Level, we were all in agreement that this added to our contextual understanding as well as being very entertaining.

One of the highlights of the day was listening to an informal but wonderfully interesting discussion of setting from none other than the renowned author of ‘The Loney' Andrew Michael Hurley – Emily and Ellie also got to have their copies of his new book, ‘Starve Acre', signed and to have a photo with him!

Overall, it proved to be an enjoyable and valuable day (even despite the early start!) which has helped to broaden our understanding and appreciation of literature.

Shona Whelan, Year 13