World Book Day celebrations

 

Laura Chivers, Director of English and Literacy for Consilium Academies, said:
“Celebrating reading sparks excitement and curiosity in our young people, reminding them that every book holds the power to inspire and transform.”

 

 

At Armthorpe Academy, the day focused on storytelling and the power of books to bring people together. There was also a literary game of 'Traitors' where students had to hunt down the traitors supplying incorrect quotes from famous texts.

 

 

“A fabulous day, centered around a love of reading and the joy of storytelling,” said Antony West, Director of Literacy at Armthorpe Academy.

At Moorside High School, celebrations ran across two days, with both staff and students getting involved in creative activities and challenges. Students took part in challenges and quizzes during break and lunchtime.

Throughout the school day, lessons began with short readings from colleagues’ favourite books, allowing students to hear a wide range of stories and track them across the day. 

 

Pupils and staff at Wyvern Academy enjoyed a fun-filled week of World Book Day related activities. Throughout the week, KS3 pupils have enjoyed a ‘Book Tasting Café’ during their Library lesson where they have been able to sample and complete activities on eight different genres of books. 

Thornhill Academy decided their theme, 'Books are Stylish. Books are Chic. Books are Vogue. Love Reading.' Pupils were immersed in a world of reading for pleasure through a multitude of activities across the curriculum areas and in our Library. 

"At Thornhill Academy, reading is a central part of the school day.

We place a significant emphasis on reading at Thornhill. Children read everyday. They read a canon of carefully selected texts with their form tutor and in their English lesson. Today celebrates reading, something we do each and everyday to ensure our children are well rounded and informed,” said Liam Clark, Principal of Thornhill Academy.

At Washington Academy, the celebrations also highlighted the success of the school’s wider commitment to reading. Since July 2025, the academy has surpassed its target of giving away more than 1,000 pre-loved and brand new books to students and their younger family members during a range of events including rewards, seasonal gifts and summer reading initiatives!

 

The book giveaways form a key part of Washington Academy’s Year of Reading strategy, which has also included visits from Poet in Residence Caitlin Kendall, online author workshops, participation in an Audible project, visits to the University of Sunderland Library and Sunderland Library in the Washington Galleries, as well as planned visiting lecturers from the University of Northumberland.

 

Tracy Cowley, Head of Department from Washington Academy said:
“Providing more than 1,000 books to our students and their younger siblings since July is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a school community commits to the transformative impact of reading. Every book we place in a child’s hands expands their world – it builds confidence, curiosity and a belief in what is possible. We are exceptionally proud of the culture of reading that continues to grow at Washington Academy.”

Together, the celebrations across the Trust showcased the importance of reading and the many ways schools are helping students build confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of books. 

Across Consilium Academies, our students and staff are at the heart of everything we do and it was fantastic to see so many members of our school communities coming together to celebrate the power and joy of reading.