Old boy drops in for book day

Stephen Theaker, 29, visited the school to talk to the students about writing and about his time at Oakbank.

In 2000 Silver Age Books published his first full-length novel, Professor Challenger in Space.

The publication of the follow-up Quiet, The Tin Can Brains Are Hurting followed in December 2001.

His third novel Rolnikov, Mad Knight Of Uttar Pradesh, is scheduled for publication this December.

Stephen wrote prolifically as a youngster and continued to write throughout his time at Oakbank.

Some of the teachers he remembered are still teaching at the school and the day was a success.

Teacher Suzanne Doyle said: "It was great to have Stephen visiting. It was really interesting to hear him talk and the students really appreciated it -- especially the younger ones."

n Students from Oakbank will be giving a presentation to teachers and curriculum leaders from all over West Yorkshire today.

A team of students from the school recently won a West Yorkshire Education Business Services manufacturing competition.

Their presentation to 200 people at the centre of excellence in Huddersfield will last 30 minutes and they will explain their production and business techniques.

n A group of Year Ten Oakbank students enjoyed a bi-technology day with students from Ilkley Grammar School on Wednesday.

They learned about various issues such as DNA fingerprinting and genetic manipulation.

n Oakbank's talent show saw the Funky Footworkers dancing their way to first place.

The Funky Footworkers consisted of Jodie Hargreaves, Jodie Swift and Sophie Greenwood from Year Seven.

Teacher Suzanne Doyle said: "The talent show was the busiest it's ever been, a real success and all the children were great.

"The Funky Footworkers were brilliant, they did a dance to Britney Spears and the whole thing was really professional."

Second place went to Year Eight twins John and Joe Crummock.

In third place were Nick and Zoe Moore from Year 10.