Celebrating the joy of reading: AET schools on World Book Day
Learning how to read for pleasure is a vital part of becoming a life-long and proficient reader. This World Book Day and throughout the week, AET schools across the country have been celebrating the joy of reading in creative and exciting ways: from sharing our favourite titles, to dressing up with unique challenges- and even opening a new library- together we’re bringing books to life for the young people we teach.
Here's a glimpse into the festivities across our network of schools:
Four Dwellings Primary Academy: Where books open doors to the world of work
At Four Dwellings Primary Academy, World Book Day wasn't just about flicking through pages; it was a chance for students to explore the endless possibilities that books offer. With a theme centred around careers, students transformed into their favourite literary characters with different occupations. From aspiring astronauts to daring detectives, the school buzzed with excitement as students explored their future careers through the world of books.
Trinity Primary Academy welcomes author Lucy Strange
Trinity Primary students were treated to an inspiring visit by the esteemed author, Lucy Strange, who is renowned for her captivating storytelling and memorable characters. During her visit, Lucy shared excerpts from her latest literary creations, including three eagerly anticipated releases slated for this year. Many of the children left the visit wanting to become authors themselves!
Afterwards, the school invited the children’s family members in for a story time and readathon. Classes made bookmarks, wrote stories and designed their very own book covers.
Westerings Primary Academy: A brand new library unveiled just in time for World Book Day
On Thursday, the new school library at Westerings Primary Academy was proudly opened to students. The Student Council were the first to enjoy the new layout and genre boxes as part of their celebrations for World Book Day- and it looks fantastic! The children had a great time organising and getting the library neat and tidy for the grand opening. Well done to everyone involved.
Feversham Primary Academy: The masked reader unmasked!
Feversham Primary Academy put a fun twist on the popular TV show with "The Masked Reader." Imaginations ran wild as students and staff recreated the beloved characters from their favourite books, adding a playful spin to the day's activities. With costumes and creativity, the school became a stage where our most loved literary characters came to life.
Throughout the week, Feversham students also designed author themed classroom doors and decorated them!
The Green Way Academy: Goodies, baddies, and storytelling
Heroes and villains clashed in a whirlwind of imagination at The Green Way Academy. Students embraced their inner heroes and villains, dressing up as their favourite characters while unleashing their artistic talents in a design-a-character competition. Even the school's leadership team joined the fun, donning roles from classic tales like the ‘Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf’!
Aylward Academy: Second-hand book sale
Aylward Academy kicked off their World Book Week by hosting a 50p fill-a-bag second-hand book sale bonanza! Throughout the week, Aylward students had the chance to dive into a treasure trove of pre-loved titles, all while supporting the school's Book Loft in making space for new literary adventures.
Broadlands Academy: Short stories and top titles
At Broadlands Academy, students and staff alike donned their most beloved book characters with pride, embodying the spirit of storytelling and adventure. From laminated book covers dangling from staff lanyards to replacing starter activities with captivating short stories, the school buzzed with excitement as everyone embraced the joy of reading, one page at a time.
Lea Forest Primary Academy: Scavenger book hunts, getting 'caught reading' and more!
World Book Day celebrations extended throughout the week at Lea Forest in Birmingham. From a fun competition to take photographs of themselves 'getting caught' reading in the most unlikely places, to dressing up as favourite characters, to a thrilling 'scavenger book hunt' - Lea Forest students had a truly action-packed week! Staff even dressed up as their favourite book characters!
North Thoresby and Utterby Primary Academies: Creative spoon characters, author visit and more!
North Thoresby and Utterby Primary Academies held a "create a spoon character" competition. Nearly every child took part, with winners from each class receiving certificates and book tokens.
The schools also had an online visit from the author James Campbell and, extending the celebrations throughout the week, the children in Foundation Stage from both schools got together for a visit to their local library.
Columbus School and College: Short stories in unusual places
World Book Day celebrations extended throughout the school at Columbus School and College. From a fun competition to take photographs of themselves 'getting caught' reading in the most unlikely places, staff dressing up as characters and sharing short stories throughout the day, to a theme in class for the staff competition (Matilda was the winner!). Columbus students had great fun and thoroughly enjoyed the day!
Barton Hill Academy: An author visits
At Barton Hill Academy in Torquay, Devon, the school welcomed esteemed local author Louise Dickens, renowned for her captivating Alfred & Friends book series. Excitement filled the air as Louise brought along her charming pugs. The children were utterly engrossed by the author's stories and couldn't resist the adorable company of her furry companions.
Ryde Academy: Character dress-up and a new book vending machine!
World Book Day at Ryde Academy was a huge success! This year even more of the school's staff embraced the spirit of the day by coming to school dressed as their favourite characters from books. From mythical fairies to the adventurous Alice in Wonderland, classrooms were brought to life with iconic figures.
Students were delighted to see their teachers in costume, sparking lively discussions about the characters and the stories they represent.
The school also installed a new book vending machine, just in time for World Book Day. Part of the house points reward system, students can earn tokens and use them to buy books in the machine.
Thank you to our schools for sharing these brilliant moments and ideas with us.
For more on our approach to the importance of reading at AET, check out this post on our insights platform, Project H.