Here's what two schools in Leamington did to celebrate World Book Day

With many pupils at home, schools did things differently this year such as having virtual talks from authors.
Peter Smart, head of upper junior school at Arnold Lodge with keyworker pupils. Photo suppliedPeter Smart, head of upper junior school at Arnold Lodge with keyworker pupils. Photo supplied
Peter Smart, head of upper junior school at Arnold Lodge with keyworker pupils. Photo supplied

Schools across the county found new ways to mark World Book Day on March 4.

With many pupils at home, schools did things differently this year such as having virtual talks from authors.

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Arnold Lodge School (ALS) encouraged pupils aged four to 18 to get involved and each year group studied a book inspired by Disney from The Jungle Book and Peter Pan to The Hunchback of Notre Dame in Senior School.

Emmy and Julian of Brookhurst Primary stack up supplies for the
Readathon. Photo suppliedEmmy and Julian of Brookhurst Primary stack up supplies for the
Readathon. Photo supplied
Emmy and Julian of Brookhurst Primary stack up supplies for the Readathon. Photo supplied

The whole school has been getting involved with Disney-themed activities taking place through zoom, with art, music, drama and english lessons taking on the theme for the week.

Amy Gulliver, Head of English and Humanities at Arnold Lodge School, said: “World Book Day is always a highlight of the school calendar and we wanted to ensure our celebration was still special whilst children are learning remotely.

“We wanted to focus on a theme that is slightly different to normal – most people do not make the connection between Disney films and the books that inspired them so we knew this would be a good way to get the pupils excited about reading.

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“The whole school community has really committed to the theme, with teachers focusing their lessons around Disney – from Drama recreating famous scenes, to Music performing the best songs, and of course studying the books in English lessons. It really has been wonderful to see so much involvement.”

Loll Kirby, author of ‘Old Enough to Save the Planet’. Photo suppliedLoll Kirby, author of ‘Old Enough to Save the Planet’. Photo supplied
Loll Kirby, author of ‘Old Enough to Save the Planet’. Photo supplied

Peter Smart, Head of Upper Junior School at ALS, added: “Our keyworker children and those learning remotely at home have been getting involved by dressing as their favourite Disney characters in true World Book Day style.

“As well as studying books inspired by Disney, we have taken pupils on a virtual tour of Disneyland to explore the parks and enjoy ride experiences as well as completing lots of Disney-themed activities such as making their own magic carpets.

“We may not have been able to all come together as we typically do on World Book Day, but it has still been a wonderful celebration of reading and encouraging children to enjoy books.”

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Brookhurst Primary School got a virtual a special visit from Leamington writer and mum Loll Kirby this week to encourage them to save the planet on World Book Day.

Loll has been virtually collaborating with Brookhurst pupils, leading up to this World Book Day, to promote reading and share inspirational stories from around the world.

Loll’s first book ‘Old Enough to Save the Planet’ was published in March 2020. It follows twelve young activists who make a difference to their, and our, world.

Inspired by this, Brookhurst Primary School pupils set up a sponsored Readathon, to raise money for a new school library.

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Brookhurst School Association would love any support from individuals or companies that could help raising funds for a new library.

If anyone would like to help go to: https://www.brookhurstprimary.com for more contact information.

Loll Kirby said: “It’s an absolute joy to share my passion for reading and writing with children at Brookhurst Primary School and to talk to them about their ideas for saving the planet.

"I always think that children have the very best ideas and I’m grateful to be able to connect with them even when we can’t meet in person.”

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Nikki Scott, Chair of the Brookhurst School Association said: “Brookhurst Primary School is proud to be promoting reading at a time when students really need adventure, travel and imagination.

"It’s a huge passion for many kids and we want to do everything in our power to enable students to share in the magic. Loll Kirby’s books are just the thing to inspire creativity, compassion and a love of reading.”

Loll’s next book “Do Something for Someone Else’, by Magic Cat Publishing, is set to be published in April 2021.

To find out more about Loll Kirby and her books, go to: https://www.gatherandgrow.co.uk/my-books-and-other-writing

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