b'We have been spoiled during Gothic Season with opportunities to immerse ourselves in the best literary genre of all time. Firstly, our minds were blown when we were introduced to Sheffield University lecturer Dr Going who specialises in Gothic literature, as she was full of knowledge about the subject, and it was eye-opening to hear her thoughts on Victor LaVallesThis years Gothic Season at our school was nothing short of spectacular. A true graphic novel Destroyer. A few days later,celebration of all things eerie, mysterious, and thought-provoking, the event brought we were able to watch a theatre productiontogether students for a series of unforgettable experiences, from captivating from Quantum Theatre Company whoperformances to insightful discussions. Gothic Season was a resounding success.showcased A Christmas Carol brilliantly.The highlight of the season was undoubtedly the productions of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll Whilst only having three actors and aand Mr Hyde and A Christmas Carol. Both performances were mesmerising, with talented limited budget, Quantum still put on a showpeople bringing these classic Gothic tales to life. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde kept the audience Dickens himself would have been proud of.on the edge of their seats, showcasing the chilling duality of human nature, with stunning Every week we were able to compete inacting and atmospheric staging. The eerie transformation scenes were particularly impressive, Gothic themed activities and competitionsdemonstrating the cast and crews commitment to authenticity and suspense.in Gothic Form Time for one of the manyMeanwhile, A Christmas Carol offered a haunting yet heart-warming experience. The ghostly prizes on offer and also in the Strictly Talkapparitions of Marley and the three Spirits were beautifully executed, immersing the audience Gothic competition. The challenge was toin Dickens supernatural vision. The performance perfectly balanced the storys Gothic features learn part of The Lady of Shalott and recitewith its ultimate message of redemption, leaving everyone deeply moved.it from memory on stage in front of the whole school. Overall, Gothic Season wasBeyond the performances, Gothic Season also featured insightful lectures from a few a really memorable experience, and I willesteemed professors from Sheffield Universitys Centre for the History of the Gothic, who take these experiences all the way toexplored the rich history and themes of Gothic literature. Their talks delved into the origins GCSEs where Gothic literature will be a bigof the genre, its lasting impact, and how it continues to shape modern storytelling. These part of our grades. sessions were not only educational but also deeply engaging among students. Harrison Hunter, Year 8 Sankar Balasubramanian, Year 10Gothic Season has been a verywatch people recite poems or stories like The exciting and unique experience atLady of Shalott with as much drama and Handsworth Grammar School! Asemotion as possible. Some of the speeches a Year 8 student, I wasnt sure what to expectwere very powerful and intense but it was a at first, but it turned out to be an incredibleclose win between two students who had the way to dive into the world of Gothic literature.same number of points. I loved seeing The activities were very engaging, and reallyeveryones creativity and confidence on brought the Gothic theme to life in a fun anddisplayit was both entertaining and interactive way. One of the highlights for meinspiring. It also made me appreciate how was the Gothic-themed plays. Watching themuch work goes into memorising and Quantum Theatre Company perform wasdelivering a speech with such passion. Lastly, engaging, as with only three people they gotI really enjoyed the Gothic Tutor Times, as It me hooked in seeing more adaptations ofwas great to test out knowledge on Gothic plays like A Christmas Carol! It felt likestuff, and people who won received prizes stepping into the pages of a Gothic novel,such as flying bats or bone pens. Overall, I with the dark streets of London, stormythink Gothic Season was very good and nights, and the terrifying Christmas Ghosts.made me look forward to English a lot more.The Strictly Talk Gothic competition wasTairo Doling, Year 8another activity that stood out. It was fun toFor Gothic Season, we attended an informative session on Gothic literature, studying King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys has really outdone itself with itscommon tropes and what makes Gothic Seasona three-week celebration of literature that plunged students into thea Gothic story. This was a fun eerie world of Gothic stories filled with supernatural elements and thrilling adventuresand educational experience and that keep readers and movie buffs coming back for more!even gave us the opportunity to create our own Gothic story, and During the Gothic Season festivities, students were given ample opportunities to delve into thecreate a monster using what we allure of Gothic tales. The schools collaboration with organisations and experts in Gothic studieslearned in the lesson.is truly impressive. Experts from the Centre for the History of the Gothic at Sheffield UniversityThe last day of Gothic Season conducted engaging sessions that gave students perspectives on aspects of Gothic literature.was the final of the Strictly Talk Such partnerships elevated the excellence of the Season, helping students develop a deeperGothic competition in which understanding of the genre. people who entered competed The Gothic Film Club stood out as a major attraction, presenting contemporary film adaptations ofby performing a speech. It was Gothic stories. This club provided students with a visual and interactive method to examine howan enjoyable experience and I these classic tales have been transformed for film, deepening their comprehension of the genre.liked to hear all the wonderful Overall, Gothic Season provided students with inspirational sessions and great learning sessionspeople say their lines.not to be missed.Bahadur Sidhu, Year 8Harisharan Koppula, Year 1033'