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Update on Speaking Engagements - Summer 2010
Confirmation that David will be speaking at the Sutton LEA Headteachers' Conference during March 2011.
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Come and see me - In the Gallery
See David in action, performing at his peak, in schools as a performance poet. If you are wondering just what David is capable of, head over to the new Gallery to see photos and videos.
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Performance Poet with a Special Gift
Alex Hurrell of the North Norfolk News meets David Mason in a Face To Face interview. David made the front page of the March 25 edition in his marvellous waistcoat, and the article on page 13 was a fascinating perspective on the education system and how much better the learning process could be:
Rates of illiteracy are up because children at the bottom of the academic levels are finding at an early age that they are failing these National Curriculum standard so they lose confidence in themselves and they lose interest in learning. Exposing children's weaknesses - what kind of an education is that?
Alex Hurrell describes David's vision for education:
He feels strongly that nurturing a child's particular talents, encouraging them to work independently and helping them to achieve their best is what education should be about.
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Dave Goes International!
Offers for schools in mainland Europe - see the International page for details.
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Wild!
Brand new book of brand new poetry! A mix of thought provoking and amusing poems to suit ages 8+. Included are lots of illustrations and pictures to amplify the reading matter.
The collection includes a sequel to the ever popular "Chocolate Biscuit" poem entitled "The Return of the Chocolate Biscuit" for which you need to practise your impersonation of the Queen and Prince Philip as well as the Chocolate Biscuit himself!
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Swimtastic Family Wins Award
David Mason and his family recently travelled to Stratford-upon-Avon for the Kellog's ASA Swimtastic Awards. Nominated by North Walsham's Victory Swim and Fitness Centre, they received a bronze medal in the Swim4life family category.
The Masons are an extremely active family, and this award demonstrates that healthy hearts and healthy minds go hand in hand.
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Wimbledon Bookfest event hosted by Donhead School
A lively family performance for pupils and parents alike. This marks the release date of his new poetry book - "Wild!"
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World Poetry Day
David is working at The Cathedral School, Cardiff with Nursery, and Years 1-3. A welcome return to a city where he lived many years ago when he was a young man.
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Ongoing
The post of Writer in Residence, at Westcliff High School for Boys, is proving very exciting and productive. David is working with Years 7-11 in the school itself as well as primary schools within the Westcliff cluster. The residency is certain to continue into 2010.
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March 17th 2009: Basildon Book Festival
David is performing at Basildon Book Festival alongside Michael Rosen and others. He will be performing to a junior school audience.
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World Book Week
David is very busy! The tour begins in London then on to Cambridge and finishing in Norfolk. On World Book Day itself, he will be performing to Year 7 at Aylsham High School, a favourite haunt of his.
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February 26th 2009: Plaque in Dover
David visits Archers Court Maths and Computing College in Dover to perform to Years 7 and 8 and to open the new English block (careful with the scissors!). Daughter Rosa is very impressed at the thought of her Dad’s name inscribed on a plaque.
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Book Notes
February sees the launch of Midnight Mystery, David’s first novel since Learning to Fly. Midnight Mystery is the first volume of a series entitled Souls of the Sea so look out for more! There is also a reprint of The Elf who sang the King to Sleep – back after many years by very popular demand.
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Beating the Bullies
Here is an article from the Evening News, 20 November 2008:
Anti-bulling week is underway, focussing national attention on both victims and tormentors.
It's a subject close to the heart of children's author David Mason, whose latest book, Learning to Fly, concerns Claire, bullied at school for being clever, and her brother Connor, who struggles to compete with other boys in his class.
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