Barnsley College GCSE English students were treated to a visit by Kes star David ‘Dai’ Bradley as part of their studies looking at the novel A Kestrel for a Knave by local author Barry Hines.
Written more than 50 years ago and then turned into the iconic Barnsley-based film Kes, students looked at how the themes of class, culture and society evident in the film are timeless and still relevant today.
Organised by English tutor Dawn Wright and the College’s Enterprise team as part of a week-long timetable of activities and film-showings, students were able to listen to Dai speak about his role as Billy Casper and answer questions about the film and the book. He spoke about his own childhood and the importance of young people following their passions.
Dawn said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity to not only enhance our students’ English skills but also raise their understanding of equality and diversity. Many of them will remember a character similar to the chief protagonist, Billy Casper, perhaps from school and, unfortunately, many may also be able to identify with the trials that this young lad has to face in the novel.”
