World Book Day was a fantastic celebration of reading across St Mary Magdalene C of E School, with students and staff coming together to share their love of books and stories. There was a wonderful buzz around the school throughout the day as our community embraced a range of exciting reading activities.

Staff joined in the celebrations by dressing up as their favourite book characters and sharing the books and authors they love with students during lessons. It was a brilliant way to model a passion for reading and spark conversations about favourite stories and new books to try.

Our library was at the heart of the day’s activities, hosting a variety of events during break and lunchtime. Students took part in book hunts, quizzes, riddles and creative book cover design challenges, all of which proved extremely popular.

In English lessons, Key Stage 3 students enjoyed special World Book Day activities, including literature quizzes, reading games and creative writing group competitions. These sessions encouraged collaboration, imagination and, most importantly, enjoyment of reading and storytelling.

During Family Group, students had the opportunity to watch impressive performances from their peers who are taking part in the Greenwich Poetry by Heart competition. Students performed poems of their choice from memory, and it was inspiring to see such confidence, creativity and appreciation of poetry from our talented students.

Another highlight of the day was the Teacher Character Hunt. Students were given clues to work out which book characters their teachers had dressed up as, creating lots of excitement and discussion throughout the day.

To ensure every student could continue the celebration beyond the classroom, all students were given a World Book Day token. These tokens can be used at major retailers to collect a free book or to receive £1 off a book of their choice.

Overall, the day was a fantastic celebration of reading and storytelling. Events like these reflect the importance we place at St Mary Magdalene C of E School on reading for pleasure.

We look forward to continuing to promote a love of reading throughout the year and to celebrating World Book Day again next year.

Miss Asuquo and Miss Baah

All Years Padel Club has got off to a brilliant start this term, with strong uptake across year groups and a positive buzz around sessions. Running every Tuesday from 3:30pm–4:30pm at the O2, students have been enthusiastic, focused, and keen to learn, with clear improvements already seen in racket skills, movement, and game understanding.

Year 7 had the exciting opportunity to travel into central London to see Turandot at the Royal Opera House. For many students, it was their first time experiencing a live opera, and it certainly wasn’t one they will forget in a hurry.

The production, brought a mythical version of ancient Peking to life with bold colours, striking costumes and a huge chorus that filled the stage. Students were fascinated by how the show blended elements of Chinese and Italian theatrical traditions to create something that felt both imaginative and dramatic.

The opera tells the story of Prince Calaf and the icy Princess Turandot, who challenges her suitors with three riddles—answer correctly, and you win her hand; answer incorrectly, and you face execution. The tension of Calaf’s gamble, along with Puccini’s powerful music, kept the whole year group completely absorbed.

This night was organised to showcase the amazing skills and talent our students have, from Year 7 to 6th form.

I wanted to shine the light on experienced performers as well as the most unexpected students – giving them a platform to build their confidence, and the courage to display it.

For the last two months we have been working towards this night, and alongside me, I had the help of some amazing 6th form students and Ms Aberese & Ms Steele.

This is an idea I wanted to see come to fruition for a while and I’m glad it was able to happen. I also want to say we are very proud of the performers who have been working hard in rehearsals for the past few weeks. I hope this night has inspired other students.

Thank you to all the staff, students, and parents who came to support.

Ms Da Costa