This year, every pupil was given the opportunity to choose and take home a free book of their own. Rather than allocating texts, pupils were encouraged to select something that genuinely interested them, whether that was fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels or topic-based reading linked to their personal interests.
This approach was intentional. For many of our pupils, developing a positive relationship with reading is a gradual process that requires ownership, relevance and choice. By allowing pupils to select their own books, we aimed to remove barriers and create a more engaging and personal experience of reading.
The response from pupils was overwhelmingly positive. There was a real sense of excitement and pride as they explored different texts, discussed their choices with staff and peers, and began to see reading as something that could belong to them. For some pupils, this was the first time they had chosen a book independently.
World Book Day at Leaways is not just about celebrating books for one day, but about reinforcing the importance of literacy as a life skill. Reading underpins learning across the curriculum and supports pupils in developing confidence, independence and self-expression.
As a school, we remain committed to fostering a culture where reading is accessible, valued and enjoyed. Small moments, such as choosing a book, can be powerful steps towards building lifelong habits.
