As we dived into Book Week, our college was abuzz with excitement and literary adventure! From visiting authors and book character dress-ups to door decorations and group reading celebrations, this annual event not only celebrates the joy of reading but also underscores the vital role literature plays in our students’ development and lifelong learning.

Book Week reminds us of the profound impact that stories have on shaping the minds of our young people. Exposure to a rich variety of texts helps students build a robust vocabulary and improve their language skills. Through reading, they learn new words, sentence structures, and ways to express themselves more effectively. Literature stimulates cognitive development by encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving. Stories often present complex scenarios and diverse viewpoints, helping children analyse situations and develop empathy.

Books also allow children to explore and understand emotions. Characters' experiences and challenges offer valuable lessons in resilience, compassion, and self-awareness, fostering emotional intelligence. Instilling a passion for reading early in life lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Readers enjoy seeking out knowledge, exploring new interests, and staying engaged throughout their lives.

This year’s Book Week featured an array of exciting activities organised by our amazing library staff, including author visits, storytelling sessions, and book-themed projects. Students from across the College immersed themselves in the magic of books, whether through reading independently in a DEARO (Drop Everything and Read Outside) session, participating in group activities, or dressing up as their favourite characters.

We will continue to nurture a vibrant reading culture within our college community, inspiring our students to cherish the wonders of literature every day by simply opening a book.

Georgie Burrows | Director of Teaching & Learning Prep - Year 6