Hikaru Name above all names

Engage with Our Interactive School Workshops

We believe that stories can be a powerful tool for learning. Our book isn't just something to read—it's an invitation to discuss and reflect on important values, disappointment, love, resilience, and the person of Jesus.

We offer three specially designed workshops for different key stages to engage students in a way that complements their learning. These workshops offer an enriching experience for students and teachers alike, connecting Christian principles with real-world applications. If you are a school interested in offering one of these workshops, we would love to hear from you!

KS2 – Love for Reading Workshop

This workshop focuses on cultivating a love for reading, fostering creativity, and exploring the value of allegorical storytelling. Students will be encouraged to think about the deeper meanings behind stories and how characters' journeys reflect important life lessons. Through interactive activities, they will learn how storytelling can serve as a powerful tool for understanding and communication.

KS3 – Resilience Workshop

In this session, students will hear extracts from Hikaru and explore the struggles faced by the characters. Through discussions and reflection, they will learn about resilience, perseverance, and how the authors faith shaped the story. This workshop encourages critical thinking while also inspiring students to explore the joys of reading.

KS4 – Beliefs and Real-Life Experiences Workshop

This workshop focusses on the core Christian belief about Jesus. Designed as a valuable revision tool for GCSE and Post-16 students, it brings important clarity and connection to what can often feel like a complex subject. By the end of the session, students will have an understanding of key concepts such as the incarnation, Jesus as saviour, redemption, and atonement. Most importantly, they will gain insight into how these beliefs fit together and what they might mean for someone living out their faith.

  • "Hikaru provides an exciting and innovative approach to exploring faith, using the vibrant art of Manga and the power of storytelling to connect with young people in a meaningful way. These workshops are expertly designed for schools, offering a creative and engaging space for students to reflect on spiritual themes and their own personal journey. It's a fresh, dynamic resource that truly resonates with today's generation."

    - Dave Boden, Executive Directior, Grace foundation

  • I really enjoyed John’s workshop because he made it fun and lively by getting us to predict the characters personality. He also asked us to create our own characters. He put us into groups and we did activities together. His book was absolutely amazing.

    - KS2 Student

  • “This was an incredibly valuable interactive workshop, and I personally enjoyed the sessions. The materials were outstanding, your teaching is clear, beautifully illustrated naturally, and nicely idiosyncratic. I also really appreciated hearing about your creative process – the journey you have been on in writing this book and I am sure this will resonate with the students about the power of resilience. Thanks again for coming to share with us at TTS.”

    - KS3 Teacher

  • “Hikaru is a great series of stories written in an informal, chatty way ideal for children and teens. It is written in a fictional fantasy style and explores the biblical narrative in both subtle and more obvious ways, which opens the door to conversation and exploration of the themes the book raises. It is a great resource for Christians and those with no faith background at all. Hikaru can be read on your own, explored in a group and even used in school. John excels again in his ability to create captivating stories that hold the audience so well. I highly recommend it.”

    - Paul Friend: Director: South West Youth Ministries

  • “John came to HLC to deliver a GCSE revision session called God Reached Down. My students are studying the Edexcel Religious Studies B course which requires students to be comfortable with theologically difficult concepts such as redemption, atonement and salvation. John’s personable manner and clear enthusiasm for the content really engaged my class from the off. ”

    - KS4 Teacher

Let’s work together.

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!