World Book Day on Thursday 5 March was celebrated with imagination, creativity and enthusiasm across St. Catherine’s British School, bringing students from Lower and Upper School together to share their love of stories. From colourful literary costumes and creative writing to theatrical performances and surprise library visitors, the day – and the weeks surrounding it – highlighted the vibrant reading culture at the heart of our school community.

Lower School: Imagination Takes Centre Stage

From their earliest years, our Lower School students are inspired to develop a genuine love of reading, exploring their interests and stretching their imagination as they open the door to new worlds. This year’s celebrations reflected that spirit beautifully.

Children in Years 1–6 arrived dressed as their favourite book characters, transforming the school into a vibrant parade of literary heroes and heroines. From classic favourites to modern characters, the wonderful costumes brought stories to life and created a joyful atmosphere that celebrated a shared love of books.

The celebrations also highlighted the creative talents of our students. During a special assembly for Years 5 and 6, the winners of the 500 Word Writing Competition were announced. This annual competition, open to UKS2, KS3 and KS4, encourages students to craft imaginative stories while demonstrating originality, strong characterisation and engaging language.

Congratulations to this year’s Lower School winners:
• Katerina S. (Year 5) – A Window to the Future, a thrilling fantasy adventure set in the future
• Sophia T. (Year 6) – The Shadow that Didn’t Obey, a gripping tale of mysterious life forms in an eerie world
• Emilia B. (Year 5) – Whispers Beyond the Treehouse Wall, an enchanting story of parallel worlds and mysterious creatures

Each student received a certificate and a book token in recognition of their impressive creativity.

The celebrations continued in the Lower School library with the launch of a month-long series of “Secret Visitors” throughout March. Each week, surprise guests quietly join library sessions to share their love of reading and the special role books play in their lives.

The first visitors set the bar high. Mr Ian Howarth delighted a Year 5 class with his passion for science fiction and the works of Terry Pratchett, inspiring such excitement that Pratchett’s books quickly flew off the shelves. Year 1 pupils were thrilled to meet Agnieszka Fibak, St. Catherine’s parent and author of the Maddie Dog children’s book series, who shared the adventures of her lovable travelling terrier. Students also enjoyed visits from Lower School teacher Mr Ben Shore, who spoke about the importance of reading in his life, and Mrs Lisa Koufidou, who read her story Disgruntled for Dinner from the wildlife anthology Plight of the Rhino.

Upper School: Reading with Purpose

Meanwhile, in the Upper School, World Book Day took on a theatrical flair with a fantasy-themed assembly for KS3 and KS4 students. Guided by narrator Konstantinos, who had “fallen into a book”, the audience travelled through a dreamscape of literary worlds. Highlights included a musical performance from Beauty and the Beast, a humorous rendition of The Hobbit performed by Year 10 Drama students, a magical visit to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe with the orchestra, and a journey to the Land of Oz with the choir.

The assembly also featured the announcement of the St. Cats 500 Word Short Story Competition winners. Students impressed the judges with their creative depth, imaginative storytelling and technical skill.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:
• 1st place: The Crown of Bloody and Honey, by Vivien K.
• 2nd place: Severed Roots, by Olivia G.
• 3rd place: The Beast of Beauty, by Myrto S.
Honourable mention: Wonderland, Soft at the Edges, by Amelia B.

The winners were announced on stage and received a warm round of applause from the audience.

Across the Upper School, students also celebrated through initiatives such as the St. Cats Book Swap, a charity second-hand book sale, and a lively student scavenger hunt where members of the Senior Leadership Team joined the fun wearing Mr. Men and Little Miss themed T-shirts.

From colourful costumes and creative writing to performances, storytelling and book initiatives across the school, this year’s World Book Day celebrations showcased the vibrant reading culture that thrives at St. Catherine’s. Above all, the day was a joyful reminder that stories have the power to inspire imagination, ignite curiosity and bring our community together.