Parade of colour at Sheffield school's book celebration

Everyone at Firth Park Academy was encouraged to dress as a literary character, and an array of wizards, pirates and dubious royal figures made for an arresting parade of colour.

Each student was given a book token, enabling them to either claim a free book on offer, or a £1 reduction on their choice of book.

Staff were on hand to read to students in the LRC at lunchtime throughout a week devoted to books and reading, and fundraising for the National Literacy Trust was achieved with a staff Bake Sale.

Literacy is integral to the curriculum at Firth Park, and the academy’s Learning Resource Centre loans around 1,000 books per month. KS3 students take part in Accelerated Reader, which is an online programme that encourages them to enjoy reading for life.

A school spokeswoman said: “It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and lengths students and staff went to in order to celebrate this special day.”

Some companies joined in the World Book Day spirit by donating reading materials to schools. Taylor Wimpey Yorkshire gave over £400 worth of brand new books to schools and hospitals in support of the initiative.

Anne Bagshaw, sales and marketing director at Taylor Wimpey Yorkshire, said: “World Book Day celebrates children putting their iPads and PlayStations away to engage with materials that not only support their development, but also stimulate their brains.

“Reading is extremely important for children. We hope the children enjoy their new selection of books.”

Dodworth St John’s CE Primary Academy and Elsecar Holy Trinity CE Primary Academy were both lucky recipients of new books.