Magical Literacy Day challenges Year 6 writers to unleash their imaginations!

The appeal of magic and sorcery in schools has long-been evident with children and young people, well before a certain Boy Who Lived came to our attention via book and screen. Friday 27^th January saw Westonbirt School host local primary schools and our own Prep School for our annual Magical Literacy Day.

25 students from schools including Avening, Leighterton, Rodmarton and St Mary’s came together for an exciting day of literacy extension. With the Great Hall dressed to impress and staff sporting their best costumes, visitors were welcomed for a day of magical themed activities designed to unleash imaginations and inspire writing.

The day kickstarted with a potion creating drama class ran by Westonbirt’s drama department, where students were inspired to step into different roles and embrace new characters. The introduction of new vocabulary and terminology then followed, as students took part in a language scavenger hunt around the beautiful Italian Gardens. Equipped with torches in hands, a walk down into the old and longstanding cavernous cellars of Westonbirt House further stimulated imaginations, as stories were told and creative ideas began to form. The morning’s activities alongside an introductory lesson to a new literacy device then encouraged and stretched students to produce some excellent writing.

Westonbirt Prep School Head, Sean Price, said,

“It was a real treat to welcome pupils from a range of schools to our Magical Literacy Day. I cannot credit them enough for the way that they engaged in the awe and wonder of the day and threw themselves into every aspect, from spooky-cauldron spells to an enchanted scavenger hunt to tales from history in the ‘dungeon’! The day inspired an exceptional standard of writing and more importantly, pupils (and staff!) all created magical memories”.

Matt Smith, Head of Rodmarton Primary, stated,

“Immersed in a magical world, the children experienced a range of quality activities which inspired them to produce some outstanding pieces of writing. The children were buzzing from the whole day. I am most grateful to all the adults involved in putting on such a successful and memorable day. It was a tremendous success; thank you”.

Magical Literacy Day is one of a range of events held annually at Westonbirt aimed at bringing local school communities together. Other events have included an Earth and Science Day, Sports Taster Day and a Model United Nations Conference event.