It’s a world of pure imagination at Mulberry Academy Shoreditch
World Book Week: 29 February – 4 March 2016
MAS opened its doors to the world of literature, creativity and imagination, encouraging students to enthusiastically engage with books from around the globe.
The week was developed in celebration of World Book Day and the ground-breaking success of MAS’s Literacy Department which has now received an incredible 36 nominations for improving levels of literacy.
Students enjoyed themed lessons, breaks, lunchtimes and after-school sessions exploring great novelists, characters and writing techniques. The whole school had the opportunity to develop skills in sonnet and poetry writing; analysing expression, rhyme, language and emotion.
During the week, students had to be prepared with a book on hand at all times in anticipation of Drop Everything And Read (DEAR). At the sound of the DEAR alarm everyone stopped what they were doing and started reading in an initiative to remind young people that reading can be made a priority.
The week brought a range of guest authors to the academy, running thought-provoking workshops on creativity and genre. Our students relished in the opportunity and were quick to ask questions of the established novelists including, M.M. Vaughan, Philip Womack, Erica Wagner and Antonia Honeywell.
Friday 4th March saw all students and staff dress up as their favourite book character. The day sparked conversation and debate as each student put across their case for the best novel. The leading costumes were nominated and the successful students won awards.
Congratulations are in order to all members of staff and students who worked hard to improve standards of learning and to support the preparations for this fantastic event.
Antonia Honeywell, author of ‘The Ship’ commended MAS, commenting that it was a ‘privilege’ to visit the school. Antonia continued her praise commenting, that ‘the students were receptive, enthusiastic and brilliantly creative. I left having learned at least twice as much as I taught’.
Will Dady, publisher from Alma Books Ltd/ Alma Classics Ltd, said:
‘We all had a really lovely time, such attentive students and welcoming atmosphere.’
Lucy, a teacher at Mulberry Academy Shoreditch was impressed with the students, congratulating everyone involved: ‘I really enjoyed watching the presentations, they were so creative! Lots of amazing examples of drama and oracy!’
