Schools across the Trust marked World Book Day and promoted reading for pleasure on Thursday 7 March 2024, each in their own way. Activities across the whole week ranged from reading and storytelling to listening to authors and working alongside a poet.

At Kemble Primary School many staff wore pyjamas all day and invited pupils and their parents back into school in the evening for bedtime stories read by their class teachers. They all enjoyed cups of hot chocolate.

During the day, activities were enthusiastically led by the school’s reading ambassadors. This ensured everyone was involved and supported the theme of ‘Bedtime Stories’. Children and staff came to school dressed as their favourite characters from a book they love to read at bedtime or actually reading their favourite book ready for bed! The school held a fun assembly which included a fashion show of outfits and guessing the characters they represented. Pupils shared their preferred stories and new titles were introduced. The school certainly now has a long wish list for their library. 

Headteacher, Emma Morrogh-Ryan said, ‘At Kemble we are passionate about reading and World Book Day is a great opportunity for pupils to share the enjoyment reading for pleasure can bring. We hope that the children were inspired to explore new titles and genres in their reading both at home and at school.’
 
Children from Key Stages 1 and 2 also participated in the ‘Year of Reading’ project’s Book Festival on Friday 8 March. This was an exciting opportunity to take part in two workshops where they were inspired to create their own characters from the stories. The children were buzzing with excitement and have all embarked on becoming published authors!
 
Parents came in to school to read to classes throughout the week and introduced their favourite stories.

Mrs Parmiter, Kemble’s ‘Year of Reading’ Lead said, ‘Our whole school community has been involved and it has been a wonderful way to share the enjoyment a good book can bring.’

In contrast, pupils at Siddington C of E Primary School combined ‘World Book Day’ with their focus on mental health and wellbeing. 

Pupils came together to read from a rainbow of books. Cushions and blankets covered the floor and joy filled the air. Book Week was the perfect vehicle to spotlight the school’s new wellbeing curriculum which has taught the pupils about mental and physical wellbeing. 

Headteacher, Louise Lennox, explained: ‘On Monday, I taught, along with my valued teachers, a whole school lesson centred around the book, ‘Blue’. Some of our pupils used their language of spirituality to think deeply about the messages that the story was sending. It was such a pleasure to teach all ninety pupils together in an environment where they feel safe and valued. We have decided as a team, that we would like to do this more often.’

The teachers also provided the pupils with different encounters with books. On Friday 8 March, two classes visited the Barn Theatre and joined pupils from other primary schools, including Kemble and Chesterton, to have author experience sessions as a part of our local ‘Year of Reading’. The older children were whisked away to a local and magical land where they could create their own characters.

Pupils at Chesterton Primary and Nursery School celebrated their love of reading on World Book Day too. Staff and children came to school dressed as their favourite book characters and showed each other their costumes in assembly.

During the day, each class made an exciting trip into Cirencester to spend their book vouchers at Waterstones bookshop. Pupils accepted a creative challenge and found interesting and innovative places to read around the town and captured these moments in photos!

The team at Waterstones commended the pupils: ‘Thank you for choosing Waterstones to exchange the World book Day vouchers. We loved seeing the children in their costumes as well as the staff. We would also like to commend your staff and helpers for the way they organised the visit. It was carried off brilliantly. Also, a big shout out to the pupils themselves for their enthusiasm and good behaviour.’

Children at Chesterton’s Nursery went on a lovely trip to Elmgrove Care Home. The residents and staff there put a precious book together which they shared with the children.

In the afternoon, children designed their dream book corners for classrooms and then had a story read to them by different teachers.

Libby Pringle, Headteacher, reflected, ‘I am very proud of our celebration of reading and how we were able to share this with our community. We had a wonderful day!’

The pupils also enjoyed taking part: ‘I liked everyone’s amazing costumes.’  ‘I loved reading to the little ones.’  ‘I loved getting a ticket and picking out a book. I enjoyed all the activities.’  ‘It made me feel really responsible when I was reading the younger ones. I enjoyed the visit to Waterstones, I enjoyed choosing my own book.’

In keeping with a well-established World Book Day tradition at Cirencester Deer Park School, pupils in Years 7-10 took part in sponsored Readathons on Thursday 7 March (World Book Day) and Friday 8 March. These sponsored reading events are now a regular part of the school calendar with pupils raising money for Read for Good, a Nailsworth-based charity that provides books and stories for children in hospitals nationwide. 

Pupils taking part were ‘off timetable’ and based in the school’s spacious library. They were encouraged to find somewhere comfortable, whether on the beanbags, around a table, on low chairs or under a desk (!), and simply... READ! Pupils were supported and encouraged throughout by the school’s Librarians, who also provided welcome refreshment: hot chocolate and biscuits! Read more...

'I like reading very much and the Readathon gave me time to read in peace, enjoy time with friends and the hot chocolate and biscuits were amazing! And the fact that it raises money is incredible,' Stefania (Year 9). 'I loved it because I got to do my favourite thing: READ!' Archie (Year 7).

On Tuesday 12 March 2024, a group of Year 7 and Year 8 Deer Park pupils had the incredible opportunity to take part in a poetry workshop with the multi-talented Spoz (real name Giovanni Esposito) - performance poet, singer-songwriter, film-maker, playwright and former Birmingham Poet Laureate. 'We felt extremely honoured to have Spoz come to Deer Park and work with our pupils,’ said Miss Tricker, Head of English Read more...

During the two two-hour poetry workshops held in the school’s library, pupils learnt about poetry and poetic techniques, as well as having rhyme battles and a final spoken word poetry contest at the end!

‘I found it really fun and inspiring. I was really glad that I got to meet Spoz,’ Blake (Year 7). "I like Spoz, he was funny, and he made me go up to speak, even though I was scared, he made me laugh. He has helped me with my poetry in lessons," Katelyn (Year 8). 

This poetry event was part of the Trust's 'Year of Reading' initiative with a number of schools in the South Cotswolds, encouraging reading amongst pupils of all ages.

Friday 8 March 2024 marked a very special and heart-warming chapter in our ‘Year of Reading’ (YOR) as it unfolded its pages and held its very own book festival. This special event encouraged ALL children to be readers, breaking down barriers and fostering the love of literature within our YOR community.

Our festival included two inspiring workshops led by local children’s authors: Tracey Corderoy and Steve Skinley. They introduced their characters and took our children on exciting journeys through their well-loved stories.

In the morning, children from Key Stage 1 made their way to The Barn Theatre in Cirencester to meet Tracey Corderoy. The auditorium filled with excitement as she stepped onto the stage, hooking the children into the adventures of her famous characters, ‘Shifty and Sam’. The children, sitting on the edge of their seats, were eager to learn more about the characters and the mischief they got up to throughout her stories.

In response to the childrens’ exit poll, 100% enjoyed the morning session, with many saying how much they enjoyed the ‘Robbing Game’!

‘The morning was very engaging and fun for the children!’ Sophie Cooksley, KS1 teacher Rodmarton Primary School. 

Tracey Corderoy also enjoyed the event. On leaving she reflected, ‘It was a wonderful atmosphere celebrating the magic of stories. Such a valuable event to be a part of.’

In the afternoon, Steve Skinley, a local author to Cirencester, shared his new book ‘The Otherlands’ with children in Key Stage 2. Steve creates memorable characters within his stories that take the children on incredible adventures. In his initial slide show, he communicated a strong sense of place. This was conjured up from his own childhood memories. It was illustrated with photos of the local area which many in the audience instantly recognised. Everyone listened attentively to Steve’s readings from his novel ‘The Otherlands’ and enjoyed meeting the ‘Pigman’ and ‘The Trolls’.

Steve invited the children to explore the wonders of Cirencester and create their own characters with curious back stories! Grace, a pupil in Year 6 at Chesterton Primary School, used his example as a model and created an incredible figment of her own imagination, ‘Red Fluff Man’ which she then went up on stage to read out aloud to everyone.

‘I love it, his work is so imaginative - like me! I will use his book as inspiration for the book I am writing.’ Grace.

Similarly, in response to the childrens’ exit poll, 100% enjoyed the afternoon session and some pupils even brought their parents back in to buy them a copy of ‘The Otherlands’ and have it signed by Steve.

Both authors offered book signings for the children after their engaging workshops. The children loved the opportunity to meet the authors behind the stories. Not only did the authors sign each book, but they took the time to learn a little about each child and their reading interests and habits.

‘It has been a privilege to see schools coming together to explore ways in which we can overcome common challenges by working collaboratively. Our ‘Year of Reading’ focuses on engaging the most reluctant readers, equipping them with the skills necessary and inspiring them to be even better readers. I am grateful to Rachael Scott who is co-ordinating the project and for her extraordinary and incredibly supportive networks! Thank you all.’ Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO), Corinium Education Trust.

The event was very kindly hosted at The Barn Theatre, Cirencester. We extend our gratitude to them for, once again, lending us their wonderful space for the festival. Their commitment to hosting our ‘Year of Reading’ enrichment events within our community has been instrumental. The collaboration with the Barn Theatre, not only enriched the festival, but also gave children the opportunity to visit their local theatre.   

Most importantly, this event would not have been possible without the support of the Winstone Charitable Trust who have generously funded the enrichment activities within our ‘Year of Reading’.

Our thanks also go to the Yellow Lighted Bookshop. They helped us find Steve Skinley as our guest author for Key Stage 2 and provided us with the books to sell at our event.

We also thank Read for Good. They generously donated 400 books. This enabled us to ensure that every child at the festival received a free book to take home. This thoughtful contribution has provided further reading opportunities for our children, helping to foster that love for literature. We deeply appreciate Read for Good's commitment to promoting literacy for all and their support with our ‘Year of Reading’.

‘I am very grateful for all the support we have received for our ‘Year of Reading’. This, and the commitment of teachers in all the schools involved, have contributed to making this event possible.  Our project remains dedicated to making reading accessible to all, and this event served as a testament to the positive influence that books can have on every reader, regardless of their circumstances.’ Rachael Scott, School Improvement Lead (Primary), Corinium Education Trust.

‘Both Tracey Corderoy and Steve Skinley captured the children's imaginations with their enthusiasm and entertaining presence. Our pupils came away from both events inspired to read the author's books and to recommend them to others.’ Emma Morrogh-Ryan, Headteacher, Kemble Primary School.

With thanks to:

• The Barn Theatre, Cirencester
• Read for Good, reading charity
• The Winstone Charitable Trust
• GCC Levelling Up project
• Yellow Lighted Bookshop
• Steve Skinley and Tracey Corderoy
• Teachers and Staff from our YOR project

For more information about the Year of Reading Project, please contact Rachael Scott, School Improvement Lead (CET) r.scott@coriniumeducationtrust.net. Visit us at on X @YearOfReading23

We are looking for a new Maintenance Person to join our team, based in Cirencester. This role will be 3-5 days per week, working at the Trust's schools. 

Find out more on our Vacancies page... 

Part time job opportunity, working from home and face-to-face meetings at various locations.

• Are you looking for a fresh challenge?
• Do you have good oral and written communication skills and are you well organised? 
• Do you want to work flexibly?
• Are you interested in education and learning more about how schools work?
• Do you want to supplement your income?

About the role:
We are looking for enthusiastic and well organised professional individuals to undertake clerking services with one or more of our schools. You will work closely with the Chair of the Local Governing Body and our Governance Officer, delivering strong governance arrangements. You will have excellent interpersonal and organisational skills and an ability to work on your own initiative. Previous experience in clerking or governance isn’t essential; you will be fully supported and provided with personalised training from our Governance Officer. 

The role is home-based and allows for flexibility. There is a requirement to attend schools for onsite meetings which occur in the evenings (5.30 or 6.00pm start for around 2 hours). 

Find out more on our Vacancies page... 

Pupils at Cirencester Deer Park School achieved another high in the school’s calendar with their lively and colourful production of ‘High School Musical’ over four consecutive evenings in February.

‘I thoroughly enjoyed the performance and was impressed, as ever, by the energy and commitment of the cast, band and crew. The venue was transformed and perfectly themed in red. It was very clear that everyone was enjoying being a part of the show, including the audience. Congratulations. Another great production.’ Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead, (CEO).

Commendably, to give everyone the opportunity, this show, like those the school’s Expressive Arts team have directed before, was ‘double cast’ with the ‘Soaring Cast’ performing on Wednesday 21 and Friday 23 February 2024 and the ‘Flying Cast’ performing on Thursday 22 and Saturday 24 February 2024. Reflecting the storyline, the supporting groups, the Basketball team, the Cheerleaders, the Brainiacs, the Thespians and the Seniors and Juniors, provided a strong chorus and were all choreographed exceptionally well.

In addition to performing on stage, pupils were also responsible for playing in the school’s house band alongside their teachers. This was particularly impressive given their age and experience and the number of songs and musical interludes. Other pupils, including those in the cast, were responsible for moving props, while another team of ‘techies’ coordinated the lighting and sound. There were roles for everyone! They were incredibly supportive of each other too.

All pupils taking part in the show inspired pupils form the Trust’s three primary schools when they attended the dress rehearsal of ‘High School Musical’ on Tuesday 20 February. Individual pupils taking part in the production demonstrated courage and determination. Together, they were creative and resilient. Through their collaboration and teamwork there was a palpable and infectious energy. Younger pupils in the audience could clearly see how they could realise their own aspirations.

Headteachers of the Trust’s primary schools reported that on their return to their schools, their pupils were very excited:
‘Kemble pupils were really ‘buzzing’ after watching ‘High School Musical’ at Cirencester Deer Park. They were thrilled to see what opportunities were available to them in the future and were inspired to create their own production.’ Emma Morrogh-Ryan, Headteacher.
‘The productions was fantastic. Our pupils (and staff) thoroughly enjoyed watching it. A real treat!’ Libby Pringle, Headteacher, Chesterton Primary School.

Our Headteachers also reported that their groups returned singing the chorus of the final and most popular number, ‘We’re all in this together’. They were all chatting excitedly and looking forward to being in show one day themselves!  

Our primary school pupils reflected:
'I think it was great that they had more than one person playing the main roles as it gave more people an opportunity and both actors were great'
'They mirrored what an American teenager in high school would be like well'
‘It was amazing - I loved the costumes and singing!’
‘It was so good. I had so much fun.’
'The Gabriellas had amazing voices.'
'Very well planned and thought out. I didn't need to have already watched the film to understand it.’
‘It was amazing! I want to go to Deer Park now!’
 

Accompanying class teachers and teaching assistants were equally impressed:
‘If I'd paid to see this performance, I would be very satisfied!’ Class Teacher, Siddington C of E Primary School.
‘The standard was so high. They have all obviously worked incredibly hard.’ Class Teaching Assistant, Siddington C of E Primary School.
‘It was amazing to see the creativity and high level of engagement in the pupils from Deer Park. I am sure this will inspire our pupils to pull out all the stops for their end of year production!’ Class Teacher, Kemble Primary School.

You can read more about the show on the Cirencester Deer Park School website under Latest News, High School Musical Report.