Pupils at Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe took part in the biggest celebration of books and reading in the world when they recently participated in World Book Day.

 

With the aim of inspiring and developing their pupils’ interest in reading, the school organised a full week of reading related activities including a book swop where each pupil that brought in a children’s book was given a token so that they could “buy” a book from the Swap Book Stall; a ‘Get Caught Reading day’ where pupils who were spotted reading at break or lunch-time got a prize; a book quiz; a ‘Where's Wally’ search where pupils had to follow clues and answer the questions using the information in the book; and a book puzzle.

 

World Book Day was designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and is marked in over 100 countries around the globe. A main aim of World Book Day in the UK and Ireland is to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading.

 

 “World Book Day is the biggest annual celebration of books and reading in the UK and the pupils enjoy participating in the event,” explained Ms Irena Savova, the school librarian. “The pupils become engrossed in the various competitions and activities and we know from past experience that the events will encourage them to further develop their love of reading.”

 

“Reading is vital to young people’s development,” commented Mr Wiktor Daron, Head Teacher at Saint Paul’s. “It should be viewed as a real pleasure and we see World Book Day as a great way for us to encourage our pupils to read and enjoy more books.”