RGS Guildford courtyard with students

World Book Week

This week, our school has been buzzing with excitement as we celebrated World Book Week, a time dedicated to exploring the magical world of literature. From author visits and book fairs to trips to Waterstones and dressing up for World Book Dat, the pupils have been immersed in activities designed to ignite their passion for reading and learning.

As Jhumpa Lahiri once beautifully said, “That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.” This week, the students truly experienced this magic. Whether they were browsing new books at Waterstones, attending author visits, or exploring various genres at the book fair, each activity allowed the pupils to journey to new worlds without ever leaving the school grounds. These activities were designed not just to encourage book buying but to spark curiosity and cultivate a deep love for reading.

One of the central themes of the week was to highlight the importance of reading in both academic and personal growth. As C.S. Lewis once said, “We read to know we are not alone.” Reading connects us to different experiences, cultures, and emotions. It broadens our understanding of the world and helps develop empathy and creativity. Whether it’s a subject learned in school or a personal interest, reading enhances knowledge and adds depth to every area of life. Roald Dahl also wisely stated, “If you are going to get anywhere in life, you have to read a lot of books.” This week was a reminder of just how essential reading is in the academic and personal growth of our pupils.

The highlight of World Book Week was the annual Speak Out public speaking competition. Pupils performed a range of literary works, from excerpts of Shakespeare’s The Tempest to modern poetry, delivering their lines with remarkable confidence and eloquence. Their performances demonstrated not only their understanding of the material but also their growing appreciation for the power of language and storytelling.

In the words of J.K. Rowling, “I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.” This World Book Week has proven that magic truly exists in books. The pupils have embraced the joy of reading, and we hope this love for literature will continue to grow in the years ahead.