News

St Aloysius' Shares Love of Literature on World Book Day

Delight in Learning

St Aloysius’ College was a hive of activity as pupils and staff alike celebrated World Book Day, sharing their genuine love of literature and their favourite books with fellow Aloysians.

World Book Day was celebrated by pupils and staff from Kindergarten to S6, and as older Aloysians reflected on the joys they had experienced through literature, the pupils of Kindergarten and Primary 1 took part in activities to ignite an early passion for reading.

The young Aloysians enjoyed an innovative learning experience based around the children’s book, “Max and the Wont go to Bed Show”, which encouraged them to write and illustrate their very own bed time story.

The Kindergarten pupils were also visited by members of staff from throughout the College for a special story time whilst P1 pupils were rewarded for their hard work with a Pyjama Party with lots of bed-time reading.  

In Primary 5, pupils celebrated World Book Day by giving fantastic presentations to classmates on their favourite books whilst dressed up as their favourite literary character.

Some of the characters and novels presented by P5 included Julian for the Famous 5, Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter, Skullduggary Pleasant from Sceptre of the Ancients, and Matilda from the novel of the same name.  

Meanwhile, in the Senior School, a special World Book Day Assembly in St Aloysius Church gave Aloysians the chance to share their love of literature with fellow pupils.

Eva Pryce of S1 spoke about her favourite series of books, The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins describing the series as ‘interesting and though-provoking’ and highlighting the main character, Katniss, as a good role model for S1 pupils because she is “loyal, kind and learned how to take care of herself and her family”.

Natalie McCaig of S6 then addressed Senior School pupils and staff with an inspiring reflection on her own love of literature, saying.

“World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity for us all to appreciate the books that have played such a major part in our lives, and to discover new ones through the process of discussing and sharing our favourite books with people around us.”

“…books have enabled me to understand more about the way other people think and feel, and appreciate that everyone has hopes and worries and strengths and weaknesses; and the better we understand this, the better we can be men and women for others.”

S1 and S2 English Classes also received visits from teachers and members of staff from Computing, Physics, Maths, Modern Languages, Music, Classics and RE, the Chaplaincy and Junior School throughout the day who spoke personally about their own favourite books.

Geography's Mr MacLean and Chemistry's Mr Anderson were also among those who spoke to S1 and S2 English pupils.

Mr MacLean spoke to pupils about the important messages highlighted in ‘The Book Thief’ and Mr Anderson discussed his fondness for Scandinavian Crime Novels and for Children’s Books such as the Hungry Caterpillar and Thomas the Tank Engine.

Natalie McCaig World Book Day Address at Senior School Assembly

World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity for us all to appreciate the books that have played such a major part in our lives, and to discover new ones through the process of discussing and sharing our favourite books with people around us.

Some of my fondest memories of books were from my childhood and part of me thinks I will always be able to recite the Gruffalo word for word. In primary school, I enjoyed Horrible Histories as it was an entertaining way to learn more about history and in fact many of the things I read remain of strong interest to me now. The Great Gatsby, in particular, is a classic. It combines the glamorous historical context of the 1920s with poetic, beautiful language and powerful symbolism; and is a constant reminder to me of my love for literature.

Yet, whether your favourite book is one of the ones already mentioned, or whether it was Enid Blyton’s Famous Five that aroused your adventurous spirit, or Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that opened your eyes to a world of imagination you never thought you could even dream, we have all been exposed to the wonder and excitement that can come from literature; its ability to transport us to new worlds of mystery, of adventure, of fantasy.

Growing up, reading has given me so much enjoyment, exposing me to new ideas and ways of seeing the world around me. It has improved my literacy and helped develop analytical thinking: something that is useful in all my subjects and basic academic understanding. It has allowed me to appreciate language and its ability to create stories and paint pictures and present them in a way that captivates the reader’s imagination. Above all, whether reading about unforgettable fictional characters or the real experiences of historical figures, books have enabled me to understand more about the way other people think and feel, and appreciate that everyone has hopes and worries and strengths and weaknesses; and the better we understand this, the better we can be men and women for others.