Books brought to life on World Book Day

Thousands of Star pupils joined millions more worldwide in the global celebration of World Book Day, with a host of activities and events which expressed the joy of reading.

Star schools embraced their love of literature with an explosion of colour as both staff and pupils dressed as their favourite fictional characters and brought the pages of classic novels to life.

A world-class book culture is at the heart of every Star school. The Star Readers challenge, thanks to headline sponsors EG Foundation, encourages all pupils to read at least 10 books from a specially selected reading list over the course of each year to nurture a passion for reading.

EG Foundation’s support for Star Readers extended to a special World Book Day celebration at the EG Group head office in Blackburn. Year 3 and 4 pupils from The Olive School, Blackburn participated in a series of literary-based activities to express their love of reading alongside colleagues from EG.

After discussing their favourite books together, pupils then got their creative juices flowing by taking part in a competition to design a book cover and write a synopsis of their imaginary tale.

Other pupils heard first-hand from some of the most revered international authors. High Crags Primary Leadership Academy and Rainbow Primary Leadership Academy attended the Bradford Literature Festival, where pupils revelled in readings and workshops with celebrated author and comedian Sir Lenny Henry and illustrator Sophy Henn.

SIR MUFTI HAMID PATEL CBE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF STAR ACADEMIES, SAID:

World Book Day is an occasion that celebrates the joy and power of reading. It is a reminder of the significant role that books play in shaping our young people’s vocabulary and academic success.

“The Star Readers programme plays an integral part in creating a worldclass book culture in every Star school. Reading can have a transformational impact on education and, by encouraging regular reading from an early age, Star aims to pique pupils’ curiosity, ignite their imaginations and encourage them to develop a lifelong love of reading.”

Creativity was, of course, in abundance as classroom doors were transformed into literary creations at Eden Boys’ School, Bolton and The Olive School, Small Heath. Pupils and staff at Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy and Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham mixed books with baking to mark the occasion. Both schools hosted book cafes with a selection of sweet treats on offer for visitors to enjoy whilst taking time out to read their favourite books.

Other schools chose to celebrate World Book Day by spreading the joy of reading to others. Pupils from Bay Leadership Academy took part in a book drop, where they picked out their favourite books and donated them to community centres and to the homes of local residents.