J.K. Rowling and a Magical Impact on Education Posted on 22 March 2021 by Amber Gravenell in General The phenomenal J.K. Rowling is undeniably one of the greatest writers of the 21st Century and will continue to be a renowned writer for centuries to come. She is a household name with her books adorning the bookshelves in millions of households around the world. J.K. Rowling has had a profoundly positive impact on education in numerous ways. In the United Kingdom, and around the world for that matter, Harry Potter is a household name. The book series following the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of a teenage wizard with a mysterious scar on his forehead and his 2 closest friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, is reported to have made over $7.7 billion (2019, Business Insider). This is not including the additional $7.7 billion+ generated from the Harry Potter film franchise which skyrocketed the careers of Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe to name but a few. At Kent-Teach we believe wholeheartedly in the power of reading and the positive impact it has on childhood development. The Harry Potter franchise has inspired millions of children around the world to pick up a book and get lost in the wonderful wizarding world. In the age of the screen this is something to be commended. Of course, the Harry Potter books have been turned into a multi-million-pound movie franchise, which beautifully conveyed the magic enclosed between the pages of the books and brought to life Harry Potter’s captivating world. The films complement the books beautifully and encourage viewers to read the books if they had not done so already. J.K. Rowling has inspired, and continues to inspire, a digital generation to pick up a book and read; the Harry Potter saga has reportedly propelled young people into the wonderful world of reading, even those with no prior interest in it. Inspiringly, J.K Rowling previously worked as a teacher. In 1992, she moved to Portugal. It was here she began to teach English as a foreign language. Following the breakdown of her marriage in 1993, J.K. Rowling moved back to the United Kingdom where she trained as a teacher. Whilst she was teaching in the city of Edinburgh’s schools, J. K. Rowling used her spare time to write Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. As teachers and school staff will know, teaching is a time-consuming and demanding (but highly rewarding!) job which stretches far beyond the 8:30am to 3:30pm school day. It is admirable that J. K. Rowling produced the extremely successful Philosopher’s Stone whilst performing her role as a teacher! Aside from the powerful impact Harry Potter has had on childhood reading, Rowling’s Hogwarts paints education in a positive light; to be educated is an amazing opportunity which opens numerous doors and presents a world of opportunity. The descriptions of the wizarding school are rich, inspiring, and exciting. Who else was disappointed when their Hogwarts letter didn’t arrive in the post!? School was, aside from a few dangerous encounters, a positive influence on Harry’s life, giving him opportunities he never dreamed possible. The professors of Hogwarts were charismatic, inspiring, and knowledgeable with genuine care for their students; what else could we ask for from our teachers? Our Top 10 Harry Potter Quotes blog features the Kent-Teach team’s favourite quotes from the Harry Potter books; deciding on just 10 quotes was not an easy feat! What are your favourite Harry Potter quotes or moments? Perhaps, this is the perfect excuse to grab your favourite Harry Potter book and refresh your memory.