Year 9s celebrate end of year with Stokie book of Nonsense

3000 books have been delivered to Year 9 pupils across the city as part of the Our Big Read initiative

Gareth Hughes with Charlotte Moore and Beth Phillips from Trentham Academy

Our Big Read is part of our work to help inspire literacy in the city and all the more special as it combines the work of talented pupils with the creative talents of our cartoon and comic arts students.”

Gareth Hughes, Higher Horizons+ Uniconnect Hub Manager,

School pupils were encouraged to take part in the project which was themed around the work of Edward Lear, whose Book of Nonsense is 175 year old this year.

For the Stokie Book of Nonsense, Year 9 pupils from across Stoke-on-Trent were asked to submit their own comic verse on a topic of their choice.

The winning entries were then illustrated by Cartoon and Comic Arts students at the University.

The challenge is the latest to grow out of the Our Big Read initiative, a partnership between the University, Higher Horizons+, The Sentinel and Stoke-on-Trent Live.

Now the books, funded by Higher Horizons+, have been delivered to schools across the city to inspire pupils literacy and creativity.

Charlotte Moore, a pupil at Trentham Academy, said she was really happy to receive a copy of the book: “I can’t believe it to be honest. I feel very proud to be in it.”

Teacher Beth Phillips added: “It’s amazing to see what the university students have done with the pupils work and I can’t wait to hand them out to the year group.”

Gareth Hughes, Higher Horizons+ Uniconnect Hub Manager, said: “Our Big Read is part of our work to help inspire literacy in the city and all the more special as it combines the work of talented pupils with the creative talents of our cartoon and comic arts students.”

Discover more about studying at Staffordshire University at an Open Day – find more details and book a place.

 

 

Latest news


Muluka Anne-Miti web

Human rights advocate receives university's top honour

A leading lawyer whose work has made a global impact on human rights has been awarded an honorary degree by University of Staffordshire

Isabella Langston web

Games degree takes graduate from Dubai to Vietnam via Stoke-on-Trent

A concept art graduate is heading to Vietnam after earning a first class degree at University of Staffordshire

Clare Courtney web

Mature student graduates with first class honours after embracing every opportunity

Returning to education has proved life-changing for Clare Courney who is graduating with first class honours from University of Staffordshire.

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021