A SNOWY BUT SUCCESSFUL 'WORLD BOOK DAY' AT SUNBURY MANOR

In previous years, teachers at Sunbury Manor celebrated World Book Day by encouraging students to read more and introducing them to inspirational books and characters that they might not have heard of. However, this year it was celebrated in a slightly different way.

Whilst the book related games, quizzes, activities and assemblies, all aimed to encourage students to read more and realise the fun they can have with literature, were still present, there was a predominant focus on the power of words, books and literature. Students and staff worked hard, in the lead up to WBD, to help raise money to support the World Book Aid charity as well as buy books for a local hospital that students will visit and spend time in whilst reading to children there.

Staff volunteered to dress up as book characters, chosen by the students, on World Book Day. If students wanted to see their teachers dressed up as their chosen character, they had to contribute money towards the charities the school were supporting. Clearly, students were keen to see their teachers look silly as £368 was raised and not even the snow could stop the teachers from sticking to their promise. I don’t think the costumes disappointed! They can be seen in the other WBD article on the website.

Billy Page, a Year 8 student, even organised a petition aimed at getting Mrs Duncan to dress up as ‘Where’s Wally’. She agreed to dress up if he managed to gain 200 signatures – he managed to get 250, so she had no choice but to dress up too!

On the day, a group of KS3 students also took part in a ‘readathon’. They were set the challenge to read the entire works of Roald Dhal, between them, during the school day. Leading up to the challenge, students arranged sponsorship and raised £417 after completing the challenge.

The only thing the snow, unfortunately, put a temporary stop to was the Year 7 WBD Tea Party. However, this event will be rescheduled and is sure to be fun for all students who attend.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the challenges, raised or contributed money. Together, we have helped bring a little happiness, through literature, to young people in developing countries, or those spending a considerable amount of time in hospital due to illness.

Book Quiz Winners:

Year 7 - 7GCO

Year 8 - 8NCA

Year 9 - 9JPG

Year 10 - 10DJO

Year 11 - GPO

Door Decorating Winners:

7LWR (Sleeping Beauty)