What people say about my work
'We invited Gary into school to meet with our Year 8 learners as part of our annual Literature Festival. In order to coincide with the 100th anniversary of World War One. When the workshop was delivered, I was overwhelmed at how knowledgeable Gary was about particular subjects and how well he engaged with our learners. The workshop itself was very useful as it helped our learners to get a better understanding of the plight of the Soldiers during WW1 and it ended with our learners charging into battle which was absolutely fantastic to watch.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Gary to any school as he was so approachable and had some fascinating ideas about how to work with our learners.
Rachel Harrison. Head librarian, Kepier School, Houghton Le Spring. 2014
“I have booked Gary to visit our library for various events and with different ages. His ‘Postcard from Africa’ session was a special treat for school pupils and his engaging story times in our branch library were a huge hit. My personal favourite is watching him captivate the audience of our children with special educational needs using a range of Bag Books which he carries. It’s a real treat seeing the children enjoy the fun and laughter that comes with this type of multi-sensory storytelling and Gary has a real skill for it.”
Susy Hill
Library Literacy coordinator. Darlington libraries.
Susy Hill
Library Literacy coordinator. Darlington libraries.
"Gary has delivered oral storytelling on behalf of Sunderland Library Service during the past 10 years. Using his talent as a djembe drummer Gary incorporates, music as well as actions and dance steps into his storytelling of traditional African tales. Thus creating interactive sessions where children learn about African life and their traditions through stories.
Gary is adaptable and can work to a brief to deliver specific themed sessions. For example as part of Sunderland Library Service’s 2014 Summer Reading Challenge programme Gary delivered mythical animal storytelling sessions. Using one of Sunderland Library Service’s story chairs (comprising of visual details of elements from specific stories) as a prop Gary has encouraged children to unlock their imagination and create their own stories in a fun and relaxed environment.
Gary has been a pleasure to work with and has always delivered what has been asked of him. I wish him all the best in the future".
Jolene Dunbar. Community Engagement Librarian. Sunderland Libraries
Gary is adaptable and can work to a brief to deliver specific themed sessions. For example as part of Sunderland Library Service’s 2014 Summer Reading Challenge programme Gary delivered mythical animal storytelling sessions. Using one of Sunderland Library Service’s story chairs (comprising of visual details of elements from specific stories) as a prop Gary has encouraged children to unlock their imagination and create their own stories in a fun and relaxed environment.
Gary has been a pleasure to work with and has always delivered what has been asked of him. I wish him all the best in the future".
Jolene Dunbar. Community Engagement Librarian. Sunderland Libraries
'A fun, interactive and inspiring session which fitted in perfectly with our topic of rainforests. We used the stories that Gary created with the children as a stimulus for drama and narrative writing. Definitely booking again next year!'
Catrin John. Year 6 Teacher. Wingrove Primary School. Fenham. Newcastle
Catrin John. Year 6 Teacher. Wingrove Primary School. Fenham. Newcastle
'We invited Gary into school to meet with our Year 8 learners as part of our annual Literature Festival. In order to coincide with the 100th anniversary of World War One. When the workshop was delivered, I was overwhelmed at how knowledgeable Gary was about particular subjects and how well he engaged with our learners. The workshop itself was very useful as it helped our learners to get a better understanding of the plight of the Soldiers during WW1 and it ended with our learners charging into battle which was absolutely fantastic to watch.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Gary to any school as he was so approachable and had some fascinating ideas about how to work with our learners.
Rachel Harrison. Head librarian, Kepier School, Houghton Le Spring. 2014
I would have no hesitation in recommending Gary to any school as he was so approachable and had some fascinating ideas about how to work with our learners.
Rachel Harrison. Head librarian, Kepier School, Houghton Le Spring. 2014
"You had year six spellbound throughout. You had me spellbound!"
Mr P Gubbins. Head teacher. Nicol Mere Primary school. Wigan.
Mr P Gubbins. Head teacher. Nicol Mere Primary school. Wigan.
"Gary Cordingley has worked with students at United World College Red Cross Nordic in Norway (www.rcnuwc.no) on three occasions in 2008, 2009 and now this year. He has an incredibly engaging and persuasive manner in working with the 16-19 year-olds from many countries. This year the students came from Vietnam, Italy, Montenegro, Belarus, Norway, Sweden, Serbia, Brazil and Poland. Without doubt, all the students grew as story tellers during the week-long workshop with Gary. The workshop culminated in a performance by the students in front of an enthusiatic and engrossed audience.
"I recommend Gary without hesitation to schools and colleges looking for a workshop leader who is empathetic, generous, focussed and creative. Gary becomes a friend of the workshop participants whilst at the same time enabling them to discover techniques of presentation and stage presence within themselves that will stand them in good stead in the future. We'll be welcoming Gary back to the college next year.”
Peter Wilson. Head of English. United World College. Flekke. Norway.
"I recommend Gary without hesitation to schools and colleges looking for a workshop leader who is empathetic, generous, focussed and creative. Gary becomes a friend of the workshop participants whilst at the same time enabling them to discover techniques of presentation and stage presence within themselves that will stand them in good stead in the future. We'll be welcoming Gary back to the college next year.”
Peter Wilson. Head of English. United World College. Flekke. Norway.