Norwich students enjoyed a range of literary-themed activities to celebrate the annual World Book Day event, which took place this year on Thursday 5th March.

All year groups at Hellesdon High School joined in the fun, with a variety of competitions, challenges, and creative opportunities available on World Book Day itself and beyond.

“World Book Day is so important at Hellesdon High, because it gives us an opportunity to talk about reading and share brilliant stories all day,” said Acting Head of English Beth Wyer. 

“We have an amazing cohort of readers and regularly talk about the importance of reading. The day is all about sharing the love of books, taking part in fun activities to engage our learners, and finding new genres or new authors to explore to develop our reading habits.”

“Reading is not just a lifelong skill, but also provides enjoyment”

‘Decorate Our Doors’ saw each Key Stage 3 tutor group transform their classroom door into a display recommending their favourite books to others, while Book Bingo challenged students to read enough books to complete the bingo-style card by July.

Each lesson began with a chapter from the award-winning book Wild East by Norwich-based author Ashley Hickson-Lovence, while Heads of Year shared their favourite reads during assemblies throughout the week.

Other activities included a lunchtime Book Scavenger Hunt, a Reading Cafe, a Book Swap, and the chance to make a ‘book hedgehog’ at the school, which is a member of the Wensum Trust.

In addition, every student received a token for a free World Book Day book. 

“World Book Day is an important moment in the secondary school calendar, because it reminds us that reading is not just a lifelong skill that shapes academic success, creativity, and wellbeing, but also provides enjoyment,” said Literacy Coordinator Charlotte Beardmore. 

“The day offers an opportunity to reignite students’ enthusiasm for reading at a stage when many young people can begin to disengage from books.

“For teachers, it is a chance to celebrate literature beyond the exam syllabus. Activities such as Decorate Your Door, Book Scavenger Hunt, and book swaps help students see reading as something social, enjoyable, and relevant to their lives.”

“It also allows schools to promote diverse voices and texts, so that every student can find stories that reflect their own experiences, or open windows into new perspectives,” she added

“By celebrating reading together as a school community, we help students recognise that books are not simply tools for exams, but gateways to knowledge, empathy, and opportunity.”