Schools across Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust took part in a range of exciting activities on World Book Day, celebrating literature and inspiring a love of reading among students of all ages.
As part of the Trust’s ‘Between the Pages’ initiative, the event built on the success of last year’s celebrations, incorporating high-quality texts and world renowned authors.
Throughout the day, students from up to 48 schools engaged with 12 renowned authors, including national and local writers whose works are studied within the curriculum. The Trust also encouraged schools to share their experiences through social media, further amplifying the celebration of World Book Day. Live streamed on the Trusts own YouTube channel, schools could join a continuous broadcast from 9.00am to the end of the school day at 3.30pm.
This meant schools could join for a full day of events or access recordings later, ensuring maximum participation. The entire event was hosted by one of their own primary headteachers, Mr Martin Gray, from St Matthew’s in Prudhoe.
The idea for the day evolved from the Trust’s bespoke English curriculum being written by expert staff across Bishop Wilkinson schools. The texts currently being read by children in the curriculum appeared front and centre across the course of the whole day.
Notable contributors included Mitch Johnson, author of Kick, studied in Year 6, and Barbara Henderson, writer of The Chessmen Thief, studied in Year 5. Students submitted pre-selected questions, and Johnson even unveiled exclusive details about his upcoming book during his session, making it a memorable moment for young readers.
A highlight of the event was a live session with Robert Tregoning, a former pupil of St Bede’s Catholic Sixth Form College, Lanchester, who shared insights into his writing journey alongside his illustrator Stef Murphy.
Interactive sessions were a key feature of the day, with younger students enjoying a draw-along workshop with Nick Sharratt, acclaimed illustrator of Shark in the Park and You Choose. In addition, Joanna Nadin, returning for a third year, and local author Ross Welford captivated students with live discussions on his beloved series, The Worst Class in the World and The Time Travelling Tortoise.
Reflecting on the success of the day, Nick Hurn OBE, CEO of BWCET, said, “World Book Day is an important celebration across our Trust, fostering a deep love of reading and storytelling. Seeing our students engage with inspiring authors and illustrators is incredibly rewarding, and we are proud to support and nurture their passion for literature.”
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About Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust
Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is a leading multi-academy Trust covering the West of the Newcastle and Hexham Diocesan region. The Trust supports and partners with five secondary schools, one middle school, one first school and forty-one primary schools in the west of our Diocese.
For further information please visit: www.bwcet.com.
