Headlines

A

Harris

WORLD BOOK WEEK

Last week, our school came together for a spectacular celebration of World Book Week. From corridors lined with literary doorways, to classrooms buzzing with book-focused activities; the energy was a testament to the power of stories.

While the day is full of fun and costumes, its purpose has never been more vital. Reading for pleasure is a superpower that supports mental health, empathy and academic success. However, recent data reminds us why we must continue to champion literacy:

• According to the National Literacy Trust’s 2025/26 research, reading enjoyment among children and young people is at its lowest level in two decades

• Only 28.6% of 14 to 16 year olds report enjoying reading in their free time.

• Just 1 in 5 young people read daily, with the sharpest decline occurring as students transition into secondary school.

At Honywood, we are determined to reverse this narrative. Here is a look at how we celebrated the week:

Our ‘Get Caught Reading’ competition saw learners finding the most creative, unexpected, and hilarious places to dive into a book. From reading in the aisles of supermarkets, to getting lost in a story upside down - the entries were fantastic!

All entries have now been posted on our official Facebook page. We need your help to pick the winners! Please head over and like your favourite entry to cast your vote.

The school was physically transformed as every department took part in our Door Decorating Competition. Walking through the halls now feels like walking through a library, with doors designed as everything from classic gothic novels to modern thrillers. Well done to our winners: 10RMu/VHi and our runners up: 7FGr/ 7SPl/ 10HGo/ 8LGo!

In the classroom, literacy took centre stage across every subject. In our Geography department for instance, learners explored the book ‘How to Teach Grown-Ups About Climate Change’. They engaged with concerning statistics about the pace of global warming but, more importantly, walked away with practical, actionable steps to help reduce its effects. Seeing learners use literacy to tackle real-world crises is exactly why we weave reading into every lesson.

On Thursday, the effort from both staff and learners was fantastic. The variety of costumes

was incredible, ranging from meticulously crafted protagonists to clever puns on book titles. It was a joy to see the school buzzing with such enthusiasm for literary characters. Well done to our overall costume winner: Logan Hudson as the Witch King of Angmar. And our runners up: Chelsea Bailey as the Lorax, Tegan Lawrence as Hetti Feather and Zach Grimwood as Murtagh. You all looked absolutely amazing!

And as mentioned by Mr Saunders last week, all learners took part in the whole school read of Ray Bradbury’s The Veldt

As we look back on such a vibrant week, it is clear that when we make reading visible, social and fun, our learners rise to the challenge. However, the enduring strength of literacy is forged in the quiet moments between the big events.To help keep this momentum going at home and to support our learners in becoming part of that 20% who read daily, I recommend a few simple, pressure-free strategies:

• At this age, reading doesn’t have to mean a 500-page classic. Graphic novels, hobby magazines, sports blogs, and even wellwritten video game narratives all count. If they are interested in it, they will read it.

• If your teenager finds sitting down with a physical book a chore, try audiobooks. They are a fantastic way to experience complex storytelling, and they still provide all the cognitive benefits of traditional reading.

• Research shows that just 10 minutes of daily reading can significantly boost a student’s vocabulary and mental well-being. Encourage them to find a small window before bed or after dinner to simply unplug and escape into a story.

• All C7, 8 & 9 learners, if parents have given permission, have access to Borrowbox (an app already installed on their iPads) which allows them to access thousands of texts for free via Essex Libraries - if they need any support with accessing this, please email abansropun@ honywoodschool.com

Thank you to everyone who supported our World Book Week efforts, whether by helping with costumes or encouraging those competition entries. I hope you all have a wonderful, restful weekend!

Amy Harris

This week, the school hall was transformed into 1950s Illinois as learners from Cohorts 7 through 10 took to the stage for our production of Grease. After months of intense rehearsals, line-learning, and choreography sessions, the cast and crew delivered a run of performances that were as polished as they were high-energy.

More Than Just “Summer Nights”

While the soundtrack is iconic, what truly made this production stand out wasn’t just the music, dance and acting—it was the professionalism and discipline shown by every learner involved.

• Collaborative Spirit: One of the highlights was seeing our Year 10 learners mentoring the younger cast members. This created a cohesive ensemble and a genuine sense of community on stage—something many of the cast commented on throughout the week.

• Vocal Talent & Character: Taking on such famous roles is a daunting task. Our leads brought a fresh, authentic energy to their characters, supported by a chorus that stayed “in character” from the first beat to the final bow.

• The Engine Room: A production of this scale relies entirely on the tech and stage crew. Ensuring seamless set transitions and managing the atmosphere, the learnerled backstage team was the true backbone of the show.

A Note of Thanks

The success of Grease is a testament to the grit and creativity of our learners. Balancing academic commitments with a demanding rehearsal schedule is no easy feat, and they proved they are just as capable in the spotlight as they are in the classroom.

A huge thank you to the staff who gave up their evenings, the families for their endless support, and of course, our audiences for bringing such a fantastic atmosphere to Honywood every single night.

Mr Philpott

Subject leader for Expressive Arts