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Author Thomas Harding visits St Swithun’s School for academic lunch |
St Swithun’s School in Winchester was delighted to welcome acclaimed author Thomas Harding for an academic lunch with senior school pupils. Known for books including Hanns and Rudolf and The House by the Lake, Thomas spoke about his journey as a writer and offered practical advice for students interested in publishing and storytelling.
Pupils from The Westgate School also joined the event virtually, allowing more young writers to benefit from the conversation. The visit was introduced by Victoria Taylor, Head of Academic Enrichment at St Swithun’s, while Thomas led the discussion and encouraged questions from students.
During the lunch, Thomas spoke candidly about the realities of being an author — from his early career in journalism to the challenges of getting published. He emphasised the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and having an honest and committed editor.
He also offered tips on how budding authors could get started, including building a body of work through writing for local papers, starting your own podcast or blog and being open to feedback. Questions from students covered everything from how he chooses his subjects, and backs up his sources and information, to how long it takes to write a book.
Earlier in the day Thomas spoke to Heads of English from a number of girls’ schools across the south as part of the Girls’ Schools Association cluster group meeting at St Swithun’s.
Speaking about the day Thomas Harding said that “the students were attentive, intelligent, sensitive, and most impressively, I found them to be curious.”
St Swithun’s Head of English Naomi Anson added, “it was a privilege to have Thomas with us for the day. He added a whole new dimension for the GSA English teachers exploring the value of non-fiction in the literature classroom which is a crucial part of our continuing efforts to diversify the curriculum.”
Through the Academic Enrichment programme at St Swithun’s, students explore academic ideas beyond the curriculum. They engage and participate in academic research, develop critical and creative thinking and skills, and build intellectual confidence. Every week the school runs academic lunches for all senior school students, with an impressive collection of guests speakers, academic visitors or our own students.