Bebington pupils celebrate World Book Day

Mar 13 2013 by Our Correspondent, Heswall News

STUDENTS and staff at Bebington High sports college celebrated World Book Day on Thursday March 7.

Having been invited to dress as a character from a children’s book, a vast array of creative costumes were displayed including Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter and “Where’s Wally”.

The emphasis on promoting literacy and encouraging young people to embrace a love of reading is at the forefront of this national event.

Celebrated author Bali Rai travelled to Wirral from Leicester to talk to students from Bebington High sports college and Grove Street primary school. He spoke on subjects ranging from Jamaican slang to the brain’s cognitive behaviour.

Bali came from a large family with roots in India but was born and bred in Leicester and has fond memories of his childhood with many of the characters from his life turning up in his books.

The students really related to Bali, who is not from a wealthy background and can remember times from his teenage years being challenging as well as fulfilling. He read from his book Revenge Of The Number Two, which the students really enjoyed because it tackles the issue of bullying. In true Bali style, it twists the theme into a comedy showing how ridiculous some reasons for bullying can be.

Bali also spoke about developing cognitive skills, not just through reading but through learning in general. He said: “Computer games are not an enemy as long as they are played in moderation and with a balance of other learning experiences.”

The author also took a creative writing session for the Gifted and Talented students from Bebington High. They were treated to an insight of how to build stories in different genres, creating and developing plots within their stories and developing characters.