School Children Gather for Evening of Terrifying Tales in Trinity

Posted on: 31 October 2012

Two hundred primary school children and their parents gathered for an extraordinary evening of spooky stories, ghoulish drama enactments and arts and crafts at Trinity College on Wednesday, October 24th. The  5th and 6th class children (Ages 10-12) who are studying in schools and local community groups that are linked with the Trinity Access Programmes (TAP)  alongside children of current TCD students arrived in Trinity dressed in their Halloween costumes ready to be enchanted by the magic of storytelling and drama at its best.  The theme of the evening focused on the life of the well-known author of Dracula and former TCD student, Bram Stoker.

The programme of events took place in the Dining Hall and was delivered by staff and students from the Trinity Access Programmes (TAP), TCD School of English and DU Players.  Traditional vampire and ghost stories were read by the Head of the School of English, Darryl Jones, the Dean of Students Amanda Piesse, and students on the on the M Phil in Children’s Literature.   DU Players dramatic narration of vampire stories raised hair and sent tingles up the spines of the visitors.   To wrap events up, the students were inspired to create their own artwork which will decorate their homes for Halloween.

Terrifying Tales in Trinity is an example of TCD staff and students coming together to share their expertise and talents in a fun-filled and inspirational way with the next generation of college students from the local community.   The outreach programmes of the Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, attract nearly 4,000 participants annually, many of whom will be the first in their families to consider a university education.      Trinity College places a valued emphasis on positive engagement with its local community and on increasing progression to university of currently under-represented groups.   Trinity College is also committed to promoting young children’s early engagement with the arts and humanities and hosts a number of projects for school children with a focus on reading and writing, drama and the arts.   This event was held in co-operation with the Bram Stoker Festival, Dublin City Council.