The Academy was filled with magic and excitement as students in Year 7, Year 8, and Sixth Form donned imaginative attire for this year’s World Book Day celebrations, centred around the theme of fantasy, heroes, and villains. From beloved classics to modern favourites, the creativity of the students knew no bounds.

One of the main highlights of the day was the stunning array of costumes, each inspired by characters from the pages of literature. Among the standout ensembles were iconic figures such as Cruella de Vil and her entourage of Dalmatians, the miniature heroes from The Borrowers, the spirited ninja Naruto, and the time-travelling Doctor Who. Even staff members joined in on the fun transforming into characters like the regal Queen of Hearts, the mischievous Harley Quinn, and the enigmatic wizard Harry Dresden.

Adding to the festivities of the day, the Academy’s library played host to a special author talk and book signing event. Featuring were two of the Academy’s own students, Jonathan Harii and Ahmad Ghaddar, who unveiled their debut novel, Against the Odds. The book, born out of Jonathan’s Mark Evison Foundation project, captivated the reader with its gripping storyline and compelling characters.
During the talk, Jonathan shared insights into his creative process, detailing the inspiration behind the narrative and the development of its characters. Meanwhile, Ahmad delved into the artistic journey behind the book’s cover art, revealing that he had crafted a staggering 15 initial designs before settling on the final masterpiece.

The event not only celebrated the joy of reading and storytelling but also showcased the remarkable talent and imagination of the Academy’s students. It served as a reminder of the power of literature to transport us to fantastical realms and inspire us to create our own stories.

Well done to all the students who took part. It was fantastic to see all the imagination come to life.