Rydal Penrhos will welcome Stephen Baxter, one of the country’s most renowned science fiction authors, to the school later this week.
Staff and pupils at Rydal Penrhos will be treated to a special talk from Britain’s foremost science fiction author this week when Stephen Baxter visits the school on Thursday 8 September.
Years 10-13 will descend on the newly renovated Osborn Hall for the address by Mr Baxter, who has written more than 40 books, mostly science fiction novels, and more than 100 short stories.
Mr Baxter earned a degree in mathematics from Cambridge University, an engineering degree from the University of Southampton and a third in business administration, from Henley Management College.
Following his education, Mr Baxter worked as a teacher of maths and physics, and for several years in information technology. He is also a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society.
Mr Baxter applied to become a cosmonaut in 1991 – aiming for the guest slot on Mir that was eventually taken by Helen Sharman – but fell at an early hurdle.
His first professionally published short story appeared in 1987, with Mr Baxter completing his first novel in 1991. The respected figure has been a full-time author since 1995 and is a former President of the British Science Fiction Association (2008-2020), and Vice-President of the HG Wells Society.
Mr Baxter’s novels have gained significant support from across the globe, earning him a plethora of awards along the way. These include the Philip K Dick Award, the John W Campbell Memorial Award, the British Science Fiction Association Award, the Kurd Lasswitz Award (Germany) and the Seiun Award (Japan).
He was also nominated for prestigious honours such as the Arthur C. Clarke Award, the Hugo Award and Locus awards. Mr Baxter’s novel Voyage was dramatised by Audio Movies for BBC Radio and broadcast in 1999.
This represents a significant honour for Rydal Penrhos and we look forward to welcoming Mr Baxter for what is sure to be a fascinating talk.
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Anyone wishing to enquire about Rydal Penrhos School can do so by calling 01492 530155, emailing admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or registering your interest online.
