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World Book Day was a proud moment for Blenheim as students embarked on a virtual version of World Book Day. Students spent the week embracing everything to do with literature, from the authors and illustrators of books, to the children who read them. 

The aim of World Book Day was to encourage more children to discover the pleasure of reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own. The National Literacy Trust has recorded that in 2020 only 26% of the children’s population read daily, compared to 43% in 2015. Therefore, it has never been more important to share the love of literature. World Book Day gives us an opportunity as a school to continue developing our reading culture. 

The English department facilitated a range of virtual events to celebrate World Book Day 2021. Teachers ventured on a book tasting expedition whilst Sixth Form student, Lucy, provided a selection of novels and book reviews for younger students. A collection of author and illustrator masterclasses, along with podcasts were made available online allowing access to an array of activities. 

The Blenheim Book Club engaged with online author presentations throughout the week, with some inspirational tips and tricks from World Book Day authors such as: Derek Landy, Katherine Rundell and Sita Brahmachari. All of these events remain available on the World Book Day Showbie group. The Blenheim Book Club also supported the creation of ‘Behind the Screens with Blenheim’; a book filled with creative writing from across the school, looking at students’ experiences from lockdown. 

Tutor time consisted of students engaging in enriching discussions regarding their favourite novel, celebrating their ‘love of literature’. Across the school, students and teachers dressed up as their favourite characters and took part in the ‘Get Caught Reading’ World Book Day special competition. Those who took part created some fantastic costumes and these will be celebrated on the ‘Get Caught Reading’ Hall of Fame in the English corridor. 

The English department would like to thank everyone involved with World Book Day and we look forward to celebrating again next year! 

Finally, see below some useful links to websites that will aid further reading outside of school alongside the World Book Day token which is valid until the 28th March 2021.

Reading Materials 

https://literacytrust.org.uk/ 

https://www.worldbookday.com/ 

https://www.readingzone.com/home.php 

https://www.puffinschools.co.uk/ 

https://www.penguin.co.uk/brands/puffin.html 13 

Free Audiobooks 

https://www.worldbookday.com/world-of-stories/ 

Libraries 

Contact Mrs Knight, the school librarian, for recommendations - knight@blenheim.surrey.sch.uk 

Epsom Library - https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries/your-library/find-your-nearest/epsom 

British Library - https://www.bl.uk/ 

Meet Authors and Illustrators 

https://www.worldbookday.com/online-masterclasses/ 

https://www.puffinschools.co.uk/meet-an-author/