World Book Day celebrations filled with imagination and joy
Pupils across Star Academies’ schools have been celebrating World Book Day 2021 with an enormous splash of creativity, culture and colour.
The COVID-19 pandemic, and the subsequent closure of schools to the majority of pupils, meant that this year’s World Book Day was a little different.
But thanks to the ingenuity of pupils, parents and staff, the annual celebration of reading was awash with colourful costumes and daring tales of adventure.
Staff and pupils shared their favourite stories dressed as Harry Potter, Peter Rabbit, Gangsta Granny and other much-loved characters from classic children’s books. But alongside the fun of dressing up, teachers also ensured that activities were filled with learning opportunities.
The pupils at Eden Girls’ School, Slough were treated to a week-long celebration with virtual visits from prestigious authors who shared their tips and tricks for writing novels. Carnegie award-winning author, Tim Bowler, talked to Key Stage 4 pupils about the secrets of being a successful author and gave an inspiring speech on resilience. Critically acclaimed author of young adult fiction, Holly Bourne, also spoke to pupils and discussed the importance of protecting mental health and wellbeing as a writer.
At Highfield Leadership Academy, during tutor time pupils and staff participated in a ‘masked reader’ challenge. Several staff members read extracts from their favourite book, whilst disguised by a mask – inspired by the Masked Singer television show.
At The Olive School, Small Heath pupils took part in an exciting series of World Book Day workshops where they had the opportunity to join a star-studded cast of authors, illustrators and hosts, including Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton (Football School), Joseph Coelho and Fiona Lumbers and many others. Pupils were also treated to a live, virtual bedtime story event, where they dressed in pyjamas and enjoyed a hot chocolate whilst listening to a bedtime story.
Staff at High Crags Primary Leadership Academy recorded a special re-telling of The Sorting Hat chapter from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for pupils and parents to enjoy. Pupils at the Shipley school also dressed up as their favourite characters and participated in themed activities throughout the day. Many pupils’ highlight of the day was designing their own giant, inspired by the Roald Dahl classic BFG.
The young pupils at The Olive School, Hackney took part in a ‘Crazy Reading’ competition where pupils were tasked with finding unique places to enjoy a book. Pupils shared pictures of themselves reading among fish tanks, behind stacks of toilet roll and in rabbit enclosures to bring a little inspiration to their reading.
Take a look at some of our schools’ highlights of World Book Day on Twitter.
The World Book Day celebrations are just one part of the Star Academies’ commitment to encouraging a passion for reading amongst pupils. Pupils attending Star schools benefit from the Star Readers scheme, which aims to promote the joys of reading. Experienced staff have searched through the best of contemporary and classic literature to provide a recommended reading list for each year group. Books have been hand-picked to give pupils a window into other people’s worlds, promote discussion and build reading resilience.
Reading a wide variety of books from an assortment of different authors helps pupils to grow into powerful and knowledgeable communicators and will equip pupils with many of the tools they need to succeed.
Find out more about Star Readers here.
Added By: Star Academies | Date Added: 4th Mar 2021 | Posted In: Latest News