Developed in conjunction with the university’s own publishing house, the vocational workshop provided pupils with a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry's collaborative process.

Deep Dive into Publishing Roles

The session successfully mapped out the various professional roles essential to producing a finished book, highlighting how different departments work together to achieve a final product. Pupils explored the responsibilities of key industry players, including:

• Commissioning Editors: The initial gatekeepers who decide which books get signed.
• Copy and Line Editors: Ensuring linguistic accuracy and flow.
• Designers: Creating the visual appeal of the final product.
• Marketing Professionals: Strategies for getting the book into readers' hands.

Hands-On Digital Design Challenge

The learning wasn't just theoretical. Our pupils actively participated in a challenging and creative design task, providing a true taste of a creative career:

Cover Design Challenge: Using iPads and Procreate software, pupils stepped into the role of a graphic designer. They were tasked with digitally designing a front cover, experiencing first hand the importance of visual marketing and professional design standards.

The value of the hands-on activity was clear to the accompanying staff.

Amy Baines, Head of Art, commented: "It was fantastic to see the students apply their artistic and digital skills in such a focused, professional context. The cover design challenge wasn't just about creativity; it was about working to a brief, which is a crucial skill for any future creative career. It truly brought their learning to life."

Real-World Industry Insight

The workshop also offered critical business knowledge, giving pupils a foundational understanding of the commercial aspects of publishing, including:

• The importance of Literary Agents in securing a book deal.
• Fundamental concepts of profit and loss within the industry.

Fostering Future-Ready Skills

This brilliant opportunity encouraged creative thinking and effective teamwork. Pupils had to work collaboratively while adhering to professional standards, simulating the working environment of a real publishing house.

The day demonstrated how skills learned in subjects like English and Art can be directly applied in a professional, real-world context, inspiring our Year 9 cohort to consider potential careers within the thriving creative industries.