34 English Hubs nationwide supporting schools to achieve excellence in early literacy teaching, developing early language, early reading and promoting a love of reading. Teacher and English Lead, Abi Creed, began World Book Day with a whole-school assembly introducing the fun activities that were planned throughout the day.
Keelin Mathias, Ramsbury School Business Manager, commented to the local news that “The assembly finished with a fantastic live staff performance of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s book, ‘Room on the Broom’. Narrated by Mrs Creed, the storytelling included some very funny acting by Mrs Pollock (the witch), Mrs Ritchie (the cat), Miss Price (the dog), Mrs Woodhouse (the bird), Mrs Pilkington (the frog) and a very scary, Mrs Hinder (the dragon). During the day, we also had live narrator performances by Catherine Rayner for our KS1 children and Michael Rosen for our KS2 children. To finish the day off, we had a live virtual ‘Snuggle Up Storytime’ session at 6pm, with stories read by Mrs Creed, Mrs Lucas (English Hub Lead) and Mrs Pollock (KS2 Assistant Head Teacher).”
At St Francis School, Pewsey, in addition to dressing as favourite characters pupils were also treated to secret ballots for favourite books at story-time and an assembly on the merits of reading. They also participated in ‘Drop everything and read’ sessions throughout the day.
Paul Spencer, Head of English at St Francis, thanked staff and students for their enthusiasm, “The staff and students and St Francis embraced World Book Day with faultless energy, and made the day a huge success. I would like to extend my thanks to all those who helped behind the scenes!”
Jonty Butler, Deputy Head at St Francis added, “World Book Day is always brilliant fun at St Francis; from seeing the wonderful costumes to hearing about favourite books. I am so appreciative of everyone who was involved in this event – from Fantastic Mr Fox who worked in the School Office, Captain Pugwash in IT, to the myriad of witches and wizards who spent the day casting spells and discussing the relative merits of their chosen ‘house’ – a true embodiment of the St Francis spirit.”
