There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
We are delighted to share with you a glimpse of the immersive events and celebrations our pupils enjoyed surrounding the theme of World Book Day 2024. From visiting speakers, design competitions, a dance workshop, book fair and a dress-up parade, please take time here to discover the joy of reading that was promoted throughout Clifton High School over many weeks.
A number of award-winning authors and illustrators were welcomed into the School for workshops and talks to inspire the children in the art of reading, writing and drawing. It afforded them the opportunity to learn first-hand from leading mentors in the world of literature, gaining an insight into their imaginations and creativity, whilst gaining top tips to use in their own writing and drawing exercises.
We are extremely grateful for the time and energy that these literary representatives afforded our children and thank them for their participation. They included:
William Grill
On 23rd February 2024, as part of the Year 6 Frozen Kingdoms curriculum topic, we welcomed award-winning author and illustrator, William Grill, to the School. William addressed the pupils in a talk and workshop, introducing his first picture book, Shackleton’s Journey which won the Kate Greenaway Medal for Illustration in 2015 and his second book, The Wolves of Currumpaw, which won the 2016 Bologna Ragazzi Prize for non-fiction. He also shared his writing and illustration tips, asking pupils to share their ideas and drawings with him. Pupils also learnt about the exploration feat of Shakleton and had the opportunity to ask William questions during a meet and greet session whereby signed copies of his books were available for the children to purchase.
Anna Hoghton
We were delighted to welcome back, Clifton Rosarian and award-winning author, Anna Hoghton on 4th March 2024. Anna spoke and inspired our Year 5 pupils about becoming an author, introducing them to her novels ‘The Mask of Aribella’ and ‘Orla and the Wild Hunt’. Pupils enjoyed the opportunity to ask Anna questions and she in turn, signed copies of her books for them.
Karen George
Another Clifton Rosarian and award-winning author illustrator, Karen George, joined our Hive and Year 2 children on 5th March 2024. Karen excited children in exploring the themes of emotions and feelings as well as the celebration of friendship and differences, in her workshop to champion self-expression and self-esteem. She introduced the children to the books ‘Freddie and the Fairy’ and ‘Wake Up Do, Lydia Lou!’ which she illustrated for author Julia Donaldson as well as ‘What Happened to You?’ and ‘You’re So Amazing!’ – two other particularly great stories for children to discover empathy. Karen discussed how with an emphasis on drawing, writing and reading, children can tap into their own imagination and creative passions.
Paula Bowles
On 6th March 2024, our Year 3 pupils welcomed award-winning illustrator, Paula Bowles, who shared her writing and illustration tips through a workshop. She interacted with pupils, asking them to express their own ideas and drawings for book characters. The feedback from the session was that the children were inspired to delve into their creative writing skills, illustration ideas and reading for pleasure.
StorySmith Book Fair
Bristol independent bookseller, StorySmith, visited Clifton High School on 8th March 2024 to provide Senior School pupils and Sixth Form students with a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction books to browse and purchase. The fair is supportive of the School as all sales of StorySmith books provides us with a commission to spend on new books for the School libraries.
Dress-Up Parade
The highlight of the Infant and Junior children’s calendar is arriving at School dressed as their favourite book character for our annual World Book Day Dress-Up Parade. Much to the delight and applause of other year groups and staff members, the pupils were excited to showcase their themed costumes. Many staff members also participated by following the 2024 official World Book Day theme of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and a creative backdrop added a bespoke touch to capture memorable photographs.
Design a Bookmark Competition
Clifton High School’s Library Team invited pupils of all ages to show their love of books and get creative in designing a ‘bookmark’. The entries were far reaching in their imaginative designs and we are delighted to share the winners with you here:
Extreme Reading Competition
Over the Spring Half Term, pupils were encouraged to have a photograph of themselves taken reading in an extreme situation or place – and reminded that ‘extreme’ did not mean 'dangerous'! We are delighted to congratulate Soelia in Year 5 on submitting the winning entry and acknowledging other, highly commended entries from Year 6 pupil Jemima as well as Tom and Emma in Year 5. Well done to everyone!
Lanyard Quiz
Junior and Senior School pupils participated in a Lanyard Quiz during breaktime on World Book Day, Thursday 7th March 2024. It involved them running around the School site to discover the selected teachers who were sporting a thumbnail image of their favourite book on their staff lanyard, and mark their findings on a quiz sheet. The completed entries were put into a hat and winners from the Junior and Senior School was drawn ….. Congratulations goes to Pippa in Year 3 and Team Rafia, Jamie and Ryan in Year 8!
World Book Day Dance Workshop
Reception and Year 1 children were treated to an afternoon of a ‘Bringing Books to Life’ themed Dance Workshop on Monday 11th March. West End in Schools are an organisation that travel the UK to engage with young children and use dance and drama to interact, encouraging an enhancement in their love of reading and books. Our pupils used books by author Michael Foreman, Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish, to look at the stories from a different perspective. The retold the stories using imaginative and creative dance moves that were and fun way to end our World Book Day celebrations.
See you next year!
