Tales from the top of the world

Should Everest be closed to climbers? This was the question posed to Shells today as they took part in a virtual Travel Writing masterclass with author and film-maker Matt Dickinson.

This half-term, Shells are reading Matt’s book “The Everest Files” and we were really excited to secure a last minute booking with the man himself to talk to all class groups about his books and his own experiences of climbing Everest, including tales of frostbite and exploding Toffee Crisps!

Matt was one of the first British film-makers to film on the summit of Everest and he has penned a number of fiction and non-fiction books about the challenges of climbing the mountain. As well as talking to pupils today about his experiences and what it takes to achieve such a feat, he gave useful tips on how they can make their travel writing more exciting and interesting. Pupils are now being challenged to write an article based on their new-found knowledge and Matt will choose the best one to win a prize.

Librarian Ros Harding said: “Matt has visited King’s a couple of times in the past, both in-person and virtually, and we were delighted that he agreed to return to inspire a new group of pupils.”