No disrespect but 'Wizard School'? Isn't that a bit mental?
We are using magic in the sense that the author Alan Moore describes it:"I tend to see magic, in a way, as a kind of language. I think, unsurprisingly, the gods of magic ARE the gods of language. And magic is, in a sense, a kind of language with which to read the universe. It’s a language of symbols with which you can extract meaning from the most mundane things. I think that if magic is anything, it’s about realizing the unbelievable supernatural magic of us thinking and having this conversation. Realizing just how magical every instance is, every drawn breath, every thought. Just how astronomical the odds are against it. How wonderful! And following through these kinds of beautiful chains of symbols that can lead to some interesting revelations. It’s about uncovering the revelation that is in everything."
So, it's about the magic of language? Of Poetry?
Professor Emeritus of Warwick University, Philip Pullman, author of the multi-award winning 'His Dark Materials' series puts it most succinctly:"Language is for talking and sharing things and enjoying rhymes and songs and riddles and things like that.That's so important. I can't begin to express how important that is; the most important thing of all. A sense that language belongs to us, and we belong in it, and that it's fun to be there and we can take risks with it and say silly things in it and it doesn't matter and it's funny. All of that. If your sense of language is that it's something you've got to get correct and you mustn't get it wrong and you're going to get marked on it, judged on it, well … That's a pretty poor show.['Paradise Lost' by Milton] actually had a physical effect on me; my skin bristled and my heart beat faster. It was my first real understanding of the fact that poetry is not a fancy way of giving you information; it’s an incantation. It is actually a magic spell. It changes things; it changes you."Spellcasters is a feat of imagination; intelligent silliness to joyful ends. And if, accidentally, kids leave the program with a few things that spike their SATs? Fantastic, but that will come because they feel more confident and happier in themselves and with language more generally.
Does this actually help with anything at school?
Spellcasters: Sorcerers
Alignment with the National CurriculumSpellcasters supports spoken language, poetry, and performance objectives from the Key Stage 1 & 2 National Curriculum: Develop spoken language confidence through performance and debateExplore rhythm, structure, and vocabulary in poetryEncourage clear, expressive reading & public speakingUse creative writing, storytelling, and drama to develop literacy skillsSupport discussion, reasoning, and critical thinking through engagement with texts For neurodiverse learners, the program emphasizes strength-based learning, movement-friendly activities, and multimodal engagement to ensure accessibility and success.
All legit, is it?
It certainly is. Everyone working on Spellcasters or for Garrick's Temple To Shakespeare is fully DBS checked, we're insured by a a leading European Insurer to operate as a childrens club 365 days a year and, our Risk assessments and safeguarding policies are publically available, below
Can you do any other days?
SpellCasters is a relatively new enterprise, and as such we're rather flexible. If there was an outcry for a different day or age group, we'd certainly consider it. Our email's below.
Is this a Harry Potter thing?
No , sorry. By all means come and learn how to write your own stories about teenage wizards but if you're looking for a game of Quidditch, you're out of luck.
