The 国产亚洲精品福利 School launched its World Book Day festivities with an exciting theatrical experience led by renowned actor and educator Tom Davey. Davey, founder of Bright Torches and an experienced theatre practitioner trained at RADA, spent the week working with pupils in Years 3 and 4 on a series of dynamic Shakespeare workshops.听
The celebrations began with Davey guiding pupils through the characters and themes of听The Winter鈥檚 Tale, helping them bring scenes to life through energetic drama activities. The sessions were met with enthusiasm from pupils and teachers alike, who described the experience as both enriching and memorable鈥攕etting an inspiring tone for the school鈥檚 reading-focused celebrations.听
On 5 March, the excitement continued as the 国产亚洲精品福利 marked World Book Day itself. Year 3 pupils were treated to a special surprise when the Head of College arrived dressed as Paddington Bear, duffle coat and hat included, to read a favourite story to the class. This warm and whimsical visit delighted pupils and perfectly captured the spirit of the day.听
Across the school, children embraced the occasion by dressing up as their favourite book characters, filling the corridors with colour,听creativity听and storytelling magic.听To add to the fun, pupils also enjoyed a Roald Dahl鈥搕hemed lunch, inspired by some of his most beloved stories.听
As part of the day鈥檚 activities, pupils in Years 3 and 4 enjoyed a visit from acclaimed author Lucy Strange and celebrated illustrator Pam Smy. Together, they led an听illustration听focused听workshop inspired by their ghostly mystery books鈥攂eloved for being 鈥渁 little bit spooky鈥濃�攚hich captivated the children.听
Meanwhile, pupils in Years 5 and 6 took part in a听hands-on听Lockett & Wilde workshop, also led by Lucy Strange and听multi听award winning听illustrator Pam Smy. This session explored both writing and illustration, giving pupils an exciting glimpse into how stories grow from idea to finished book. Lucy, a regular visitor to Hurst, was once again an enormous hit, and Pam鈥檚 atmospheric artwork added a wonderfully spooky dimension to the experience.听
To round off the week, pupils across the 国产亚洲精品福利 enjoyed a series of exciting author events tailored to each age group. Reception to Year 2 welcomed Chris White, the poet,听illustrator听and author, who spent Friday 6 March working with the youngest pupils. His lively sessions blended poetry, drawing and performance, sparking laughter and creativity throughout the day.听
Pupils in Years 3 and 4 also took part in an inspiring Little People, BIG DREAMS online event, exploring the stories of remarkable figures from the worlds of art, science,听design听and activism. The bestselling biography series highlights how extraordinary achievements often begin with simple childhood dreams鈥攁 message that resonated strongly with the children.听
Older pupils in Years 5 and 6, along with Years 7 and 8, were treated to an听action-packed听Young Samurai event with author Chris Bradford. His fast听paced, martial听arts听inspired book series took pupils on an epic historical adventure, perfectly suited to readers who love tales of courage,听challenge听and triumph against the odds.听
These听additional听events added depth,听excitement听and variety to the school鈥檚 celebrations, ensuring that every pupil,听from Reception to Year听8, had听the opportunity to experience the joy and inspiration that reading can bring.听
