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Harris Academy Chobham Welcomes Jodie Whittaker to Celebrate World Book Day
Students at Harris Academy Chobham welcomed a very special guest as part of their World Book Day celebrations this week. Doctor Who actress Jodie Whittaker, who is a long-standing advocate of supporting young people’s love of reading, spent the afternoon with students discussing books and reading for pleasure.
Year 2 pupils spoke to Jodie about the books they love to read and asked her what books she reads. Meeting pupils in the Academy’s fantastic library, she read an excerpt from Ravi’s Roar by Tom Percival. The students listened attentively and were enthralled by the actress’s dramatic reading which really brought the book to life for them.
After meeting older students in the secondary phase of the Academy, Jodie ended her visit by participating in a reading workshop with Year 5 and 6 pupils about the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Jodie read several chapters from the book and participated in a discussion about the meaning of masks and the power of books and words to change how we see ourselves and others.
Sara, a Year 6 pupil who participated in the workshop, said:
“I liked hearing how one of my favourite books was read by a professional actor. She then gave us tips on how to bring our emotions into what we are reading. It was really great.”
Francesca Perry, Executive Principal at Harris Academy Chobham, said:
“It was wonderful to welcome Jodie Whittaker and involve her in our World Book Day celebrations. The pupils loved talking to her about their favourite characters and books and were eager to find out what she liked reading. They were completely captivated by her readings and were desperate for her to keep reading.
“We are so grateful to Jodie for taking the time to visit us and speak to our pupils. It was a real treat to welcome her and share our love of reading with her. Reading is so important at Harris Academy Chobham and we are always looking at ways of bringing it alive for our pupils. I am constantly impressed by our pupils’ enthusiasm for reading and how eager they are to pick up a book.”
Across all 55 Harris Federation academies, literacy is embedded in every subject and every classroom. From structured reading strategies and vocabulary development to dedicated time for reading and discussion, Harris schools are committed to ensuring every pupil develops the confidence and skills to become a lifelong reader.
