The 2019 World Book Day campaign is Share a Story, and there were so many amazing book character costumes around TCS Exeter Road (worn by both students and staff) that many conversations about books we know and love were generated across our secondary site. Our new Principal James O’Connell led the way with a stunning Dracula costume – and he was given the difficult task of judging the character costumes. Dressing up not only highlights the vital importance of literacy, but also raises funds for the fantastic charity International Book Aid – which sends books to children and adults in war torn and poverty stricken areas across the world.
Book character winner for students was Y9 Yasmin Barnes – with a stylish Cruella de Vil, and the runners up were Y7 Tom Maddocks as a dapper Sherlock Holmes, and Y8 Jasmine Clatworthy as Paddington Bear (complete with well-travelled suitcase!). Winner of the staff competition was Maths teacher Mrs Keogh with a daring take on Pirates love Underpants(!), and a couple of runners up with Head of Y10 Mrs Brown as Alice in Wonderland and the school Librarian Mrs Masterman as the wizard Gandalf.
The “Share a Story” theme was also at the heart of the Book Title Quest Competition in which students were tasked with asking as many staff as they could find for a book title recommendation. Over 50 staff suggested titles that were close to their hearts and it was lovely to see the enthusiasm that this generated around the site. The winner of this competition Y9 Callan Day was awarded a £10 book voucher.
The non-uniform character dress up raised £657.46 for International Book Aid – which will help to send approx 328 books to those not so fortunate to have access to libraries and books as we are here in the Devon.