World Book Day 2025

World Book Day is a huge event for the schools across New Bridge Multi Academy Trust, as it is an opportunity for us to celebrate literature, in all its wonderful forms.

The Literacy and English Leaders from across the MAT have been planning together to introduce lots of activities and events designed to peak our learners’ interest and engagement with reading for pleasure.

At Samuel Laycock School, the Headteacher was kidnapped! The pupils entered school to find her office ransacked and sealed off with crime tape. Pupils spent the day unravelling the mysterious event by independently reading clues, using inference and deduction and various sources of evidence. The theme was ‘Whodunnit?’ and pupils and staff dressed as detectives and inspectors. One member of staff stated, “It was a sight to behold when we walked in as Ms Wilson’s, our headteacher, office had been torn apart. We called the police, and they confirmed what we suspected, she had been kidnapped. It was up to us to help the police find and apprehend the one to put our school into disarray for the day.” The pupils created missing posters, interviewed suspects and investigated the crime scene to support the police in their investigation… and there was a real Police Officer in the building to support!

At New Bridge School, children came dressed up as book characters and there were a wonderful array of literature themed events in every classroom. There was a genuine reading buzz around all of the sites, as children and young people celebrated ‘all things literature’. At New Bridge Pathways, learners came together to share their favourite stories and characters. Students eagerly participated in engaging live lessons and challenging quizzes that sparked lively discussions. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, as many students submitted entries for the Favourite Character competition.

At the Springboard Project, to celebrate World Book Day, the students took part into an exciting murder mystery! They worked in teams to solve the crime and uncover which staff member was responsible for the mysterious murder of James, who is the Maths Lead. The students followed clues, interrogated suspects, and used their problem-solving skills to piece together the puzzle. The atmosphere was amazing, with everyone fully engaged in the challenge. It was a fantastic day of mystery, fun, and teamwork, proving that books and creativity can bring out the best in everyone!

At Hawthorns Primary School, children and staff came to school dressed as their favourite book characters and there was a catwalk where they were all able to showcase their finery. The day was full of activities, including book orienteering, a character treasure hunt, ‘read and bounce’, and various literature based games and fun!

Across Spring Brook Academy, both sites used the theme of conflict to engage children in specific books. Children celebrated the work of Elizabeth Laird and her incredible stories that include themes of conflict, helping shape children's understanding of resilience and developing empathy. The children really enjoyed sharing and reading novels (Gloria's Porridge, Secret Friends and Orange's in Noman's land) and engaging in creative activities to help develop a deeper understanding. Both sites are coming together to put on an exhibition to showcase learning from World Book Day and promote a love of reading; visitors from across the Trust will be so welcome to attend.

The pupils at Thomas Ashton School celebrated World Book Day with the theme of 'Bedtime Stories'. Pupils joined school wearing pyjamas and talked about their favourite bedtime stories.

The day featured a visit from Rue the Gnu, who read a new story and judged their competition to design a book cover for his next adventure. All the pupils enjoyed a day of reading activities , sharing books and learning about storytelling and pupils at KS 2 also went to visit the local library.

Hollinwood Academy celebrated World Book Day by encouraging the children and young learners to wear pyjamas and to bring in their favourite book from home.

The day was a tremendous success, enjoyed not just by the students but also by our dedicated staff members.

Throughout the day a variety of reading activities and creative discussions were shared within classes and forms. Lucy Tootill, the Literacy Lead, advised:

“We firmly believe that engaging with literature is an invaluable part of a child’s or young person’s education, and events like World Book Day are instrumental in promoting this passion.

The enthusiasm displayed by our children and young people was nothing short of inspirational and truly captured the very essence of fostering a love for reading for pleasure.”