The English Department celebrated ‘FHS Book Week’ in some style this year. Monday brought us an upbeat assembly led my Mr Fernandes, with the help of eager readers from across the staff and student body. What’s more, the FHS superhero, ‘Gallowayman’, gave us all the new ‘Book Swap Cabinet’, which will give everyone a chance to take and leave a book of their choice, to spread the love of reading throughout the School.
On Tuesday, Professor Sarah Churchwell delivered a superb, detailed and informative lecture to our Year 11s and 12s about American fiction, which enthused readers and historians alike. She inspired a whole room of future writers and academics.
The acclaimed author, Holly Bourne, gave Years 7-9 an inspiring talk on Wednesday about her stellar writing and the importance of addressing mental health issues. The sheer number of questions from our courageous young readers served as proof of how engaged they were by her excellent talk.
Wednesday also included a Daunt Book Fair in the Senior Hall, with students flocking to browse and buy some specially selected texts. It was heartening to hear each of them giving their friends recommendations – a wonderful sign that reading plays a central role at FHS.
On Thursday, Rev. David Simpson, gave a prop-fuelled talk, exploring the Bible as a text. Our Year 7s and 8s certainly enjoyed dressing up as a Queen and a Bishop on stage – yet again their bravery was clear to see.
Year 10 students were treated to a theatrical workshop by director Michael Oakley, who has worked at organisations like The Globe Theatre. Their study of their GCSE Shakespeare play and their appreciation of Drama were greatly aided by the deeply enjoyable session.
Our students also put in glorious amounts of effort to dress up as literary characters for World Book Day on Thursday – their parade, led by Mr Galloway, was a particularly joyous part of the week.
The School Birthday brings a half day, which can be filled with reading. Our Year 7s will also continue to explore all things literary next week as they perform in the FHS institution that is the Morison Verse Competition.
What an ‘FHS Book Week’ it was! Much thanks must go to the English Department and everyone who helped the many events to take place.
Mr Fernandes, Head of English
