Award winning author William Hussey visited Corby Business Academy to deliver three Horror and Gothic based workshops to some of our KS3 and KS4 students.

In the morning session, students participated in an interactive ‘Witchfinder Trial’ session, where after being presented with overwhelming evidence (and brilliant exaggerated acting), our ‘witch’ was found guilty on all charges.

William then delivered a ‘What If’ creative writing workshops where students were able to share their ideas and create their own character arc and storyline based on a haunted rugby ball.

The final session, a Gothic Masterclass was delivered to many of our KS4 students, which will stand them in good stead for their exams next year. The session explored the history and origins of Horror stories, finishing with a pop quiz based on well known gothic texts including Dracula and Dr Jekyll.

Students also had to opportunity to purchase one of William’s books from local bookshop, Quinns of Market Harborough, which they could have signed by William.

Librarian, Mrs Keelan said ‘The horror genre is hugely popular within CBA library so it was very exciting to host William and for our students to participate in the different workshops. William was just brilliant. His own love of the horror genre really shone and it was fantastic to see our students engaging and being inspired by him.

Here’s what some of our students who attended thought of the day:

“We really enjoyed today’s session with William. It was cool to look into the horror genre from a different point of view to a normal English lesson” – Year 10 Students

“I enjoyed the sessions, I found them educational and entertaining” – Zuzanna – Year 7

It was great, we loved it. We really enjoyed the Witchfinder session, it was really fun.” – Angeleen and Lina – Year 7

“It was very funny and very enjoyable” – Rowan – Year 7