This week on The Bookmark, the official podcast of King's Academy Lord Wilson, host Dr. Matthias sits down with a truly remarkable guest. Davey, a Year 7 student and a "maths wizard" who is set to become the youngest pupil in the school's history to sit a math exam, reveals a different side of his academic passions: a deep love for "dark and scary" Gothic literature.

In this episode, we dive into the unsettling world of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline. Davey shares his insights on:

• The definition of atavism and why Gothic stories often look to the past.

• Classic Gothic icons like Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

• The terrifying reality of the Other Mother and why the book is even darker than its film adaptation.

The episode concludes with an atmospheric live reading by Davey from Chapter 11 of Coraline, where Coraline confronts her Other Mother in a crumbling, empty version of her own home. Grab your headphones and get comfortable—it’s time to turn the page.

In this episode of The Bookmark, we welcome our first student guest from Key Stage 4. Harry (Year 11) joins us to discuss his love for sports literature and how the podcast has already inspired him to pick up a new favourite book.

Harry and Dr Matthias discuss:

• Harry’s recent read, Kammy by the legendary Chris Kamara.

• The transition of Chris Kamara from a tough midfielder to a beloved broadcaster.

• A surprise connection between the book and TV presenter Bradley Walsh.

• Recommendations for other "must-read" football books, including Inverting the Pyramid and Fever Pitch.

Whether you're a football fan like Harry or just love a good underdog story, this episode is a great look into the world of non-fiction.

Episode 4 of The Bookmark marks a milestone as we move from staff recommendations to the voices of our pupils. Stephen (Year 7) takes the mic to advocate for more students to join the podcast and share the stories they love.

Tune in to hear:

• Stephen’s perspective on how reading acts as a "transport to a magical world".

• The importance of seeing yourself in literature, specifically through Percy Jackson's journey as a hero with unique challenges.

• Why The Lightning Thief is a must-read for all year groups at Kings Academy Lord Wilson.