Broadcaster, journalist and author Clare Balding visited JAGS Prep to speak to the pupils and their guests from Bessemer Grange & Lyndhurst Primary School about animals, sports and hobbies.

Clare Balding currently presents for BBC Sport, Channel 4 and BT Sport. She has reported from six Olympic Games, and is also a lead presenter on Channel 4’s Paralympics coverage. She is a presenter of BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and also covered major horse racing festivals such as Cheltenham and Royal Ascot. Clare has written four children’s books, which have all been published in the last three years.

Clare spoke to almost 300 pupils from across the three schools in the VWA on Wednesday 12^th June. She spoke in detail about her journey as an author, her career in television and her love of sport and animals from a young age. The pupils loved the interactive style of her talk; many of them telling Clare all about their pets at home, and the activities that make them feel as if there’s ‘electricity’ in their veins.  

Clare then read a short extract from her new book, The Racehorse Who Learned to Dance, and she gave the pupils tips on how to write a good story and the importance of brilliant illustrations to bring books to life.

The most important message that Clare wanted the pupils to take away was to always be confident. When a Year 6 pupil asked Clare for advice about her upcoming role in the school play, Clare’s response was that the secret to a great performance is confidence and self-belief.

In speaking about the afternoon, JAGS Prep pupils said:

 “It was really interesting how she linked everything together in her talk, and how she was so confident doing so many different jobs.” Lara, Year 6

 “It was the most inspiring talk I’ve ever had!” Scout, Year 4

 “It was nice how she wanted to learn all about our different pets and liked to know the details.” Aaliyah. Year 3

 “How she interacted with us made it enjoyable.” Zeyna, Year 5