Ex-SAS Author Chris Ryan visits SCA - 12th November 2010
Salford City Academy welcomed Chris Ryan, former British Special Air Services soldier turned novelist on Friday 12th November.
Chris gripped the year 10 pupils with action-packed tales of his time in the SAS in a bid to engage pupils’ interest, especially the boys, and to motivate them all to read and enjoy books. The visit was greatly anticipated and had a positive impact on Salford City Academy pupils.
The sessions brought literacy alive for the pupils as Chris spent time talking through his real-life action adventures, such as how he escaped alive from the notorious Bravo Two Zero mission, and how he has learnt from experiences. He also spent time talking with pupils, as well as staff, as he signed copies of his books.
Debbie Wilkinson, Salford City Academy’s Learning Resource Manager, said: “It was a pleasure to meet Chris Ryan, to hear all the stories of his time in the SAS and to see our pupils take such a keen interest.”
Serving in the British Army from 1978 until 1994, Chris Ryan rose to fame as the only member of the eight-man SAS mission, Bravo Two Zero, to escape during the Gulf War.
Following his experiences, Chris moved into writing and has enjoyed great success with a number of fiction and non-fiction books including ‘Strike Back’ and ‘One Good Turn’ which was aimed specifically at improving adult literacy.
He has also written fictional books for teenage readers such as the Alpha Force Series and ‘Code Red’; he is currently promoting his new junior fiction book ‘The One that Got Away’.
Martin Moseley, a Year 10 Salford City Academy librarian was chosen to assist on the day and said “The session went really well and I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet Chris and have my photo taken with him!”