World Book Day

'Reading is a passport to countless adventures’ - Mary Pope Osborne

World Book Day (WBD) is a celebration of all things related to reading, writing, and books. Engaging with books and turning their pages has a magical effect: it enhances imagination and creativity, expands vocabulary, improves language skills, sharpens concentration and memory, and provides a much-needed escape, offering readers the chance to explore new worlds.

At Kingsbury High, we have a proud tradition of reading and writing, having notable figures such as writer Ekow Eshun, and a host of talented student writers through the First Story programme. It was therefore essential that we commemorated WBD 2025 in a fitting and engaging way.

How did we celebrate?

Form time was abuzz with the sights, sounds, and energy of stories and reading. Form tutors shared their favourite books, while students read passages from their personal reads. We were also fortunate to receive a special message from writer Cecilia Knapp, who spoke about the significance of the day, and students including Emanuel R, Riyaan A, Camelita P W, Eden E, Kalyah E, and Sahryah C recited their own original, often humorous poetry.

‘Drop Everything and Read’ (D.E.A.R.) was in full swing throughout the day, with every lesson beginning with reading time. Students read either their own material or one of the short stories of the day.

Our teachers and support staff added an extra layer of fun and surprise. We discovered that Mr. Vadgama comes from a literary family—his great aunt wrote India in Britain, exploring the Asian contribution during both World Wars. Miss Snow shared her uplifting favourite, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, while Mr. Dirow, in line with the trend of young men reading self- improvement books, talked about his favourite: Atomic Habits.

Teachers and students also swapped books from the book stations set up in the T Reception for students and the Staff Room for teachers. English lessons distributed book tokens, encouraging everyone to start or expand their own personal collections.

The English team went all out to bring Macbeth to life, dressing up as characters from the Shakespearean play. Meanwhile, the Sixth Form added elegance and glamour by dressing as characters from Ian Fleming and F. Scott Fitzgerald novels. Ms. Pederson brought a burst of colour to the T site as a fluorescent green and very hungry caterpillar. Buzzing with energy and laughter, the corridors of KHS were filled with excitement.

On WBD 2025, we took a moment to dive into the ocean of literature, letting our imaginations soar. It was a day of fun, and we saw first-hand how reading can break down walls and open doors to endless possibilities. But the joy doesn't stop there— let’s continue the momentum! Start a new reading habit, share a book with a friend, or donate a book to someone in need. The adventure of reading never ends.