From Dragons to Heroes: Adam Bushnell Ignites Stories at Dulwich Puxi丨点燃想象，让阅读成为

When award-winning children's author Adam Bushnell returned to Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, classrooms quickly filled with dragons, heroes, villains and big ideas. Stories were talked about, acted out and reshaped, helping students see books as something to step into, not just read.

At Dulwich Puxi, reading does not stop at the page. Through creative writing, storytelling and visits from authors and educators, students experience literature as something active and shared. Over two days, Adam worked with students from DUCKS to Year 6, guiding them through imaginative writing experiences that encouraged curiosity, confidence and enjoyment.

Early Years:

A Dragon-Filled Adventure

Early Years students began their storytelling journey with dragons at the centre of every idea. With Adam's guidance, stories unfolded through stomping feet, roaring voices, dramatic gestures and bold drawings. Children moved, performed and illustrated as they imagined adventures entirely their own.

Guowan shared excitedly: 'I turned into a dragon and went roar!'

Stories were not just listened to, but experienced — through bodies, voices and pictures.

Years 1 and 2: 

Letting Imagination Take Flight

In Years 1 and 2, Adam's storytelling quickly sparked big ideas. Year 1 students created superheroes to face mischievous trolls and goblins, while Year 2 launched into space, inventing characters and adventures among the stars.

Macy said, 'It was so fun making a superhero story! Adam blew a horn and it was really loud!'

Maxi explained, 'I learned how to write about aliens and space. I designed a character who is a very naughty space dragon snake!'

Through playful character creation and shared storytelling, students grew more confident in shaping and explaining their ideas.

Years 3 and 4: 

Exploring Narrative Craft

Students in Years 3 and 4 began to look more closely at how stories are built. Guided by Adam, they explored dragons from myths and legends, designing their own creatures and bringing them to life through description, illustration and oral storytelling.

Sophia shared, 'Adam's lesson was amazing! My favourite part was learning about all the different dragons, especially the chicken dragon. It was so funny! I can't wait to write my story next week!'

Daniel added, 'I loved everything! I really enjoyed being an illustrator and guessing which dragon it was from the descriptions.'

Students began to see how choices about character and detail shape the stories they tell.

Years 5 and 6: 

Deepening Creative Thinking

Older students were challenged with more complex ideas. Year 5 explored heroism, thinking about courage and responsibility in everyday life. Year 6 examined darker themes, linking their unit on electricity with gothic storytelling to practise building atmosphere, suspense and tension.

Lola shared, 'We acted and made creative comics with Adam about superheroes. I think it's the best activity this year so far!'

Flynn explained, 'We created a haunted lab setting and used adventurous, descriptive vocabulary to build tension. I really enjoyed writing darker stories.'

These sessions gave students space to experiment with tone, genre and personal writing style.

Assembly and Parent Workshop: 

Reading That Connects

During a Friday assembly, Adam's retelling of myths and legends had students eagerly joining in, bringing Theseus and the Minotaur to life on stage. Laughter filled the hall when the 'King' suggested feeding the Minotaur lettuce, turning improvisation and humour into part of the story.

Later that afternoon, Adam led a parent workshop, sharing practical ways to support reading and storytelling at home, extending the conversation beyond the classroom.

Adam Bushnell's visit was a vivid reminder that stories grow strongest when children are given space to imagine, create and share. Across the school, students left sessions buzzing with ideas, more confident in their voices and eager to keep writing.

It is experiences like these that help build a strong reading culture at Dulwich Puxi — one rooted in curiosity, creativity and genuine enjoyment. 

If you would like to learn more about reading and learning at Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, we warmly invite you to register for our upcoming Open Day.