Books were celebrated at the Doha College Primary and Secondary levels recently, when students and staff went to great lengths to show their love of reading.
The day was packed with activities such as a book character costume competition, staff book quote T-shirts, quizzes, a five-part story read by teachers, a two-sentence story competition for sixth form students and a massive second-hand book sale. Year 6 students created video diaries of a day in the life of the book character they were dressed as, created movie trailers of their favourite story and created quizzes on literature.
One of highlights of the day was the visit of accomplished children’s author Kay Woodward. She has written over 150 children’s books and published in three countries. Writing both fiction and non-fiction, she is published by Puffin, Scholastic, Andersen Press and Wayland. Her latest book entitled ‘What would she do?’ (Carlton Books, 2018), includes real-life stories of 25 inspirational women who changed the world.
Kay visited the West Bay campus of Doha College on World Book Day this year, where she spoke about writing and answered as many questions from inquisitive students. She said she had a ‘smashing time’.
Some year groups had a shared theme like ‘How to Train your Dragon’, while some classes enjoyed special sessions – Year 1 read books in a make-shift tent using torches. Others held ‘extreme reading’ photo competitions. Pupils particularly enjoyed DEAR – Drop Everything And Read, which everyone – staff and students alike – did at periodic intervals.
Whatever the activities that best caught the imagination of young readers on the day, the students were certainly inspired to enjoy reading, and understand the life-long benefits that go with it.
For more information about Doha College, visit their website at dohacollege.com.
