“We love World Book Day”, says Mrs Brown Headteacher of the Junior School who is dressed as Wally from Where’s Wally for the day. “It gives us a chance to dress up, have fun and celebrate the importance of books and the joy of reading.”

As she spoke the playground was buzzing with familiar, much-loved characters such as the Tiger (… that came to Tea), Aslan (from the Narnia Tales), Willy Wonka (from his chocolate factory), Batman and plenty of Matildas. There was also a Donald Trump marching confidently around, dismissing the ‘fake news’ published in Fire and Fury.

“Encouraging a love of reading is a key focus of ours” explained Mrs Brown, “We are continually reading to the pupils and with the pupils to help them develop a passion for books. By Year 5 we expect every pupil to have a book on the go at any one time, and set time aside, during the school day, for them to read it.”  

Many studies have outlined the benefit of reading. In fact ‘reading enjoyment’ is reported as being more important for children’s educational success than their family’s socio-economic status.

“There can be no more important subject than English”, said Sir Michael Wilshaw, who served as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector. “Literacy skills are crucial to pupils’ learning for all subjects.”  

Our Junior School could not agree more, and take every opportunity to promote books and reading to each individual child, “And if that’s means dressing as Wally for the day”, said Mrs Brown, “I am more than happy to do it!”