The Radclyffe School was alive with excitement yesterday as students and staff came together to celebrate the magic of reading for World Book Day. From thrilling challenges to inspiring book discussions, the day was packed with activities designed to fuel that love of reading.
A key highlight of the event was the Golden Ticket Hunt, where students worked to find the tickets hidden around the school, which they could then exchange for a brand new free book. Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, also known as the school library, became a hub of activity as queues stretched out the door for the much-anticipated book giveaway. It proved so popular that a ‘one in, one out’ system had to be introduced!
There was a fantastic selection of titles on offer, from the latest releases to beloved classics. Students eagerly shared recommendations with each other, discussing their next reads with staff and demonstrating a real passion for books.
Another standout moment of the day was the Mystery Reader activity, where staff made surprise visits to classrooms to share their favourite books, arriving to drum rolls and cheers. This special tradition provided an opportunity for students to discover new stories and connect with reading in an unexpected and exciting way.
Throughout the day, students engaged in creative literary challenges, including an emoji book title puzzle that had groups eagerly decoding hidden clues during breaks and lunchtimes. In lessons, discussions linked reading to various subjects and careers, reinforcing the importance of literacy in all aspects of life – a perfect connection to National Careers Week.
Adding to the spirit of the day was the incredible effort from staff who embraced the occasion with inspiring and imaginative costumes. From Greek mythology to superheroes, Little People, Big Dreams to Tintin, and even Willy Wonka-inspired top hats, the school was a vibrant showcase of literary icons. These costumes not only brought stories to life but also sparked curiosity and engaging conversations among students.
After school, staff continued the celebrations with a Big Book and Cake Sale. Books were donated, cakes were baked, and plenty of treats were shared, all for a great cause. One highlight was a homemade book-shaped cake featuring a story about the school’s 5 Respects. The showstopper was raffled off, with the Art department enjoying the delicious reward. Thanks to our generous school community, we raised over £200 for Springhill Hospice, a charity close to our hearts in memory of our dear colleague and friend, Charlotte Haggerty.
At The Radclyffe School, we believe in celebrating the power of reading every day, but World Book Day provided a special opportunity to immerse ourselves fully in the joy of storytelling. And the literary celebrations don’t stop here. Next week, we continue the excitement with The Radclyffe School Literature Festival, a week-long event packed with even more book-themed activities and surprises.
