He addressed 800 youngsters over two days at the school, in Bull Lane, Bracknell, and explained research techniques.
His book ‘Eleven Eleven’ is about three young soldiers thrown together on the last day of the First World War.
Mr Dowswell, winner of the Historical Association Young Quills Award for secondary school fiction in 2012/13, visited Garth Hill on October 7 and 8.
His illustrated talks were part of a year-long programme of events by the school to commemorate the Great War of 1914-18. He explained how he researched and devised the story.
Garth Hill’s learning resource manager Sharon Cripps said: “Mr Dowswell’s visit generated a great deal of discussion about the First World War and how to deal with historical novels. Our students acquired new literacy skills as well as greater understanding of historical events.” Principal Keith Grainger said: “The workshops and talks about the Great War are a good example of how we can engage and inspire our young people.
“Learning is not limited to the classroom setting.” Garth Hill’s 1914 committee has arranged other events to commemorate the outbreak of the war.
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