Last week, the senior school marked Book Week Scotland by celebrating the joys of reading, offering students exciting opportunities to discover new authors, genres, and book series.
A study found that reading can reduce stress levels by as much as 68%, and can provide a welcome escape from the pressures of daily life. Through a series of innovative student led events, the St Margaret's school community were encouraged to immerse themselves in the world of books.
Book Breaks draw a growing crowd
One of the week’s most popular initiatives was the Book Break, held every morning during break time.
A classroom was set aside for pupils to watch short, book-related videos, including author interviews, book reviews, fan recommendations, and tips on tackling popular book series.
The sessions quickly gained traction, with participation increasing each day. Students were inspired to explore new books, with many heading straight to the library to check out the recommendations.
One pupil said: “I absolutely loved the books and all the recommendations… It was the perfect way to get me back into reading loads of books again.”
Another commented: “Book Break is fun, and the book recommendations are really good and have shown me an entirely new genre.”
Many expressed interests in keeping the sessions going beyond Book Week, with one added: “I love the books that are recommended. I’m already looking into one to read next.”
Book with Breakfast
On Thursday morning, the pupil-led Library Club hosted Book with Breakfast, an event where students gathered for a relaxed breakfast while reading and discussing books. The event was met with enthusiasm, with many students discovering new books to borrow from the library. The Library Club’s efforts to organise the event were praised for creating a welcoming atmosphere.
One pupil said: “I really enjoyed Breakfast with a Book. I really enjoyed reading and chatting about books. The food was also amazing!”
Another pupil added: “Breakfast with a Book was fantastic. Everyone was friendly, and I enjoyed chatting and reading my chosen book.”
“I liked the atmosphere - it was very relaxing and had a good vibe," another said.
Book Tasting sparks interest in new titles
In another highlight, senior school students participated in a Book Tasting session, where they had the chance to sample a range of newly purchased books from the library. Students filled out their own Book Tasting Menus, noting down their thoughts on the books they sampled. The relaxed, interactive nature of the event allowed students to explore a wide range of titles, many of which they had never encountered before.
A pupil commented: “It was wonderful. I found so many new books to read!”
Another said: “This was very interesting and a lot of fun. I enjoyed finding out about books I hadn’t heard of before.”
The event proved to be a success, with many students discovering books they would like to read in the future.
Reflecting on the week’s success
Overall, Book Week Scotland has been a resounding success in the senior school, inspiring students to dive into books and explore the library’s diverse collection. As Lily (IM) summed up: “I love books and reading, so for me, Book Week is a dream come true!”
The school’s celebration of reading would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Library Club, whose efforts ensured a smooth and enjoyable week for all involved.
The St Margaret’s school environment is already mobile phone free and as students continue to explore new books, it’s clear that Book Week Scotland has left a lasting impact, encouraging students to continue to swap their devices for the world of literature.