Inspiring the future

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) delivers an extensive programme of live-streamed and onsite workshops for partner primary schools across Leeds and Yorkshire. These events, which include author talks, science demonstrations, mathematics workshops and creative literacy sessions, are designed to provide high-quality, curriculum-linked enrichment for thousands of pupils each year. Through partnerships with publishers, bookshops, science festivals, videographers and local schools, GSAL has created an outreach model that blends in-person experiences with large-scale virtual access, ensuring pupils from diverse backgrounds can benefit.

· Dermot O’Leary – Wings of glory author event

· Dr Robin Hayward – Seed dispersal & Gair Wood science talk

· Katherine Rundell – Impossible creatures author event

· Rob Bradley – Freestyle rap and poetry workshop

· Dr Colin Wright – Interactive maths workshop

· Claire Culliford – Early years author workshop and bookmark launch

· Jeffrey Boakye – Kofi book series author event

· Cressida Cowell – Magic and storytelling author talk

· Marty Jopson – Mini beast safari show.

Aims

The programme aims to bring inspiring authors, scientists, mathematicians and performers to as many partner schools as possible, offering curriculum-rich experiences that foster creativity, curiosity, reading for pleasure and STEM engagement. Events are designed to be interactive, accessible both onsite and remotely and tailored to key stages. Across all sessions, GSAL aims to remove barriers to participation by offering free access, providing livestreaming and supporting partner schools with resources, transport, or recordings.

Background

GSAL began livestreaming workshops during lockdown and quickly recognised the potential to reach significantly larger numbers of pupils than through onsite visits alone. Building on over a decade of hosting primary outreach events, GSAL has since established a hybrid model, combining in-person audiences with high-quality broadcasts. Longstanding relationships with The Little Bookshop, Otley Science Festival, Authors Abroad, local bookshops, videographers and partnership schools have enabled GSAL to host a broad range of events. The school now works with 40–60 primary schools regularly, often responding to requests for specific subjects such as maths, literacy, or science.

Resources

· Venues including the primary school hall, senior assembly hall, library and biology labs

· High-quality livestreaming through Zoom webinars

· Multiple-camera videography

· Internet access and whiteboard screens in partner schools

· Transport for onsite school participation where possible

· GSAL staff for organisation, facilitation and hosting

· Authors, scientists and performers sourced via partnerships

· Workshops delivered free of charge

· Temporary access to recorded events for absent schools

Impact

· Individual events reached between 400 and 3,400 pupils

· Largest events, including Marty Jopson and Colin Wright, exceeded 5,000 pupils

· Livestreams typically involved 30–120 classrooms, depending on event

· Recordings were accessed dozens of times afterwards

· Over 50 partner schools regularly participate

· Consistent positive feedback from teachers citing inspiration, engagement and relevance

· Pupils participate actively through Q&A, drawing tasks, interactive demonstrations and rap/poetry contributions

· Teachers reported extended classroom activities following events (e.g., minibeasts, literacy work, science investigations)

· Visiting pupils benefitted from being onsite and taking part on stage

· Bookshops and authors appreciated the visibility and engagement opportunities

Pupil Involvement

Pupils across Years 3–7 engaged in watching talks, asking questions, participating in demonstrations, contributing answers via Zoom and working directly with authors or scientists during onsite portions. Onsite groups (typically 50–80 pupils) often joined GSAL pupils on stage, while remote classes actively took part through the Q&A tool. For early years sessions (ages 3–6), content was tailored to younger learners with storytelling and interactive drawing.

Frequency

GSAL runs at least one outreach workshop per term, with many additional events created through partnerships with bookshops and festivals. This hybrid programme is ongoing and has been active since 2020, expanding each year in scale, reach and subject diversity.