Bethany School was alive with literary magic on Thursday as staff and Year 13 Prefects transformed into beloved book characters for World Book Day! From Dickensian London to the whimsical worlds of Roald Dahl, the school was filled with famous figures, leaving pupils with one exciting challenge—deciphering their teachers’ identities from a set of riddles.

Cracking the Costume Code

Throughout the day, pupils engaged in a game of literary detective work, using riddles to unravel the identities of their disguised teachers. Here are just a few of the brain-teasers that had pupils scratching their heads:

Mr and Mrs Healy (Oliver Twist and Artful Dodger)

An orphan boy, with a heart so pure,

In London’s streets, I seek a cure.

A clever lad, with nimble hands,

Who are we, in Fagin’s band?

Mrs Rendell (Luna Lovegood)

With radish earrings and a dreamy gaze,

I see things in unique ways.

A friend to Harry, brave and kind,

Who am I, with a curious mind?

Wellness Centre Staff (Goldilocks and the Three Bears)

In a cosy cottage, we live in the wood,

Papa, Mama, and Baby, our porridge is good.

A curious girl with golden hair,

Found our home, but who are we in there?

And the fun didn’t stop there! Pupils were encouraged to say the magic password: “Reveal your secrets.” This prompted the teacher in costume to read their riddle aloud, offering an extra clue to those still stumped.

Reading Fun for Everyone

This year’s theme, ‘Read Your Way’, encourages pupils to explore reading in their own unique styles. A weekend challenge has been set, asking pupils to take a ‘reading selfie’ featuring them enjoying their favourite book. Whether curled up at home, reading to a sibling, or even sharing a story with a pet, every entry will earn a Level 2 Merit. Please submit your photos via your Tutor Group Team.

Football Meets Fiction

In addition to the literary fun, Bethany School joined in ‘The Great Big Footy and Booky Quiz 2025’, a National Literacy Trust event combining football and literature-themed questions. While the official livestream was at an awkward time for UK schools, teachers ensured that Key Stage 3 pupils could enjoy the quiz during their English lessons via YouTube catch-up.

The quiz offered a fantastic opportunity for teamwork, participation, and friendly competition, with merits awarded for correct answers and enthusiastic engagement.

Guess the Teacher’s Favourite Book

The library hosted an exciting quiz called “Guess the Teacher’s Favourite Book,” created by our talented pupil librarians: Izzy, Isabelle, Immy, Alice, Bea, Hugo, Will, and Mia. They spent several days gathering information from the teachers and then they put together a fantastic display in the library. Every participant earned a merit and KRS points.

During lunchtime, everyone had the opportunity to get creative by doodling pictures of their favourite book covers, or by writing a brief description of a book they’d like to write; with an accompanying picture, make book fortune tellers, or they could test their knowledge with ‘guess the book’ quiz using pictures as clues.

A Feast Fit for Book Lovers

The wonderful Bethany catering team, Holroyd Howe, got into the spirit of the day by preparing a Roald Dahl-themed menu for lunch. Pupils tucked into ‘The Twits’ Bird Pie, followed by a Matilda-inspired dessert and a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed treat. The delicious literary-inspired meal was most definitely a hit!

Bethany School’s celebration of World Book Day was a roaring success, filled with creativity, curiosity and a shared love of reading. Whether through solving riddles, snapping a reading selfie, or testing literary knowledge in a quiz, pupils and staff alike embraced the joy of storytelling.

Here’s to another fantastic year of reading adventures—what will you be reading next?