A KELTY primary school's pupils have been encouraged to develop their writing skills after a visit by an award-winning poet.

Cat Hepburn joined the P5/6 class at St Joseph's RC Primary School after working with the class as their author-in-residence over the last few months. 

The award-winning poet, scriptwriter and educator has created a variety of work for both the stage and the screen and was allocated the school through the Scottish Book Trust's Live Literature Programme. 

Cat was first welcomed to the school in November last year and has just completed her sessions with the pupils. She has also planned staff development sessions. 

Cat worked with the pupils on writing and they chose to focus on poetry. They looked at the local area and the Scots language. 

The kids were enthusiastic about writing about themselves, their local area, the Lindsay Pit Disaster, and the school's values of faith, friendship, ambition, emotions and nature. 

Dunfermline Press: Cat Hepburn visits pupils from St Joseph's in Kelty

Mrs Sutherland, a teacher at the school said: "Working with Cat has been the most wonderful experience as she shared her wide and varied knowledge and skill in writing with us.

"She encouraged the children to be fantastic explorers of the mind, created such a comfortable and positive writing atmosphere and gave such useful and respectful feedback.

"The class looked forward to her sessions so much. Overall the experience has been so much fun and enlightening coupled with a huge impact on the children's interest, enthusiasm and skill in writing."

During Cat's visit, the pupils shared their learning with their parents. They heard a recital of one of Cat's poems and shared performances of their favourite poems. 

One pupil said: "I absolutely loved Cat being in our class because she is so creative. It was marvellous to have her."

Another added: "Cat was super fun. I hope I can see her again. I loved writing my poems."