World book day 2026
Posted 16th March 2026
On Thursday 12 March, we celebrated World Book Day at Dixons Croxteth with the theme of Belonging, and it was a genuinely joyful day across the academy. There was a real sense of shared purpose as both staff and students embraced the opportunity to celebrate reading, stories and the powerful idea that everyone has a place within our community.
Across KS3 English lessons, students explored the theme of belonging through books and stories. Lessons centred on how literature helps us understand identity, community and connection. It was wonderful to see students engaging so thoughtfully with texts and sharing their own reflections about where they feel they belong. To recognise their participation, students were awarded certificates, celebrating their contribution to the day and their engagement with reading.
A highlight of the day was a collaborative art installation led by Miss Palmieri and our talented art students. Together they created a striking “Belonging Mountain.” Throughout the day, students placed their fingerprints onto the mountain, symbolising that each individual plays a part in shaping our academy community. The final piece is a powerful visual reminder that belonging is something we build together.
Alongside the student activities, staff also came together for a professional growth session focused on reading across the curriculum. We explored the importance of reading in every subject and reflected on how we can continue to strengthen disciplinary reading so that every student has access to the language, knowledge and ideas within our curriculum.
Students also took part in a book quiz, celebrating their knowledge of stories and characters, before attending a special assembly exploring the theme of belonging through The Jungle Book. The story provided a powerful lens to discuss identity, community and the human need to feel part of something bigger than ourselves.
Days like today remind us why reading matters so much. Stories allow students to see themselves, to understand others and to feel part of a wider world of ideas and experiences. At Dixons Croxteth, we believe that reading builds not only knowledge, but also belonging — and today was a wonderful celebration of both
