Lockdown is not stopping young people from celebrating their love for reading this World Book Day!

Instead, our West London primary schools have found innovative ways to celebrate all things books today, by bringing their favourite characters to life in a range of exciting activities.

At Oriel Academy, as well as sharing their favourite books with each other, students were challenged to a toilet roll art competition. Pupils across all year groups were asked to create their favourite character, group of characters or even a whole book scene using the inner tube of a toilet roll!

Kirsty D’Cruz, Reception teacher at Oriel Academy, explained: “It’s so important to share our interests and likes during these times, and what better way than through the love of reading? Everyone has a favourite book!”

Oak Hill Academy have been busy taking part in online author and illustrator activities. Children spent the day exploring the tales of far-flung places through draw-alongs and interactive writer workshops. Students also attended virtual author masterclasses with popular children’s authors Zoe Antoniades, Marie Skilling and Joanna Botwood! 

Hannah Caldwell, Year 6 teacher at Oak Hill Academy, explained: “Although World Book Day looks slightly different this year at Oak Hill, our drive to revitalise reading for pleasure and encouraging imagination and curiosity in all children has never been stronger!“

Enjoy browsing the wonderful work produced by the students below.

Oriel Academy

Oriel Academy: Reception’s toilet roll art.

Oriel Academy: Year 1’s toilet roll art.

Oriel Academy: Year 4’s toilet roll art.

Oriel Academy: Year 4’s toilet roll art.

Oriel Academy: Staff and students dressed up.

Oak Hill Academy

Oak Hill Academy: Author talk with Joanna Botwood.

Oak Hill Academy: Students dressed up.

Oak Hill Academy: Students dressed up.

Oak Hill Academy: Harry Potter!

Oak Hill Academy: Students created story boards.

Oak Hill Academy: Year 5’s creative writing.