World Book Day fun at Swindon schools

Park Academies Trust (TPAT) schools held a week of themed events to celebrate World Book Day.

Pupils came to the Swindon schools dressed as characters from books they’ve enjoyed reading, with costumes inspired by J K Rowling, David Walliams and Julia Donaldson. 

Staff created events designed to encourage pupils to explore much-loved and inspiring stories. 

Swindon-based children’s author and school parent Kate Claxton, whose debut book 'My Mum's a Tiger' became a worldwide success, visited Orchid Vale primary school, where she has been running a series of writing workshops with the pupils and is the school’s resident author.  

Across the Trust children have been completing reading and writing activities around their chosen books. 

Class teachers made videos to show all their hard work, which have been sent to the other TPAT primary schools.  

On World Book Day, children dressed up as their favourite book characters to match this year’s 'Read Your Own Way' theme. 

Each class at Bridlewood primary school also received a book gift from the other primary schools and completed book-related activities throughout the week. 

Bridlewood held a Poetry slam, with the three winners from each class reciting their poems to the whole school.

Pupils have been encouraged to listen to their favourite stories told by their friends and class teachers. 

James Nicholson, Interim CEO, The Park Academies Trust, said: “Our pupils had a fantastic time dressing up as their favourite characters and being introduced to stories and books they hadn’t read before. 

"World Book Day is a fun way to highlight not just the joys of reading and writing but to recognise the importance of literacy for our pupils and it’s always a delight to see their enthusiasm and excitement during this annual event. 

"At all our schools, our focus on reading and literacy is a year-round commitment as we aim to instil a lifelong love of books in all our children throughout their years with us and beyond.”