Laleham Gap school had an enthusiastic response to World Book Day. Nearly everyone from pupils to staff joined in the dressing up as book character aspects and everyone joined in the assemblies and activities.
Fran Eastwood, Head of English in the secondary school, said: “Whilst the emphasis was about fun, I think an important message was about how reading for fun can build good reading habits. After all reading can be transformative: it opens up whole new opportunities for our pupils as well as endless imaginative possibilities.”
In both primary and secondary classes the day began with exciting assemblies. In secondary Willy Wonka gave out prizes to all those in character, ably assisted by the BFG! Prizes were awarded for best dressed to every year and even the staff, with Mr Welsh winning this year as Frankenstein.
The excitement rose even further when the pupils were told that 5 lucky winners had a golden ticket under their seats entitling them to a second prize.
In primary every pupil received a certificate. Primary classes also had special visits from Sherlock Holmes -aka head teacher Les Milton- The BFG and the girl from Charlotte’s Web who read them their favourite stories.
Primary Literacy Lead Debbie Clifford said: “What was so lovely was how the older children in primary went and read to some of the younger pupils and they were so confident. All the children had books. If they hadn’t brought in a favourite they went to the library and got one. Throughout primary every child could say something about why they loved their book. It was amazing.”