This week, Francis Holland, Sloane Square celebrated Book Week!
On Monday and Thursday, Emma Shevah (our Writer in Residence) led English Department assemblies in which teachers (and the occasional superhero…) offered inspiring words about some of the books that changed their lives.
On World Book Day, we welcomed this year’s guest speaker, author Sue Cheung. Sue spoke to Year 7, Year 8, and the Sixth Form in presentations that were in turn thought-provoking and hilarious. She discussed her award-winning novel Chinglish, her experience of growing up British Chinese in the 1980s, and her own career journey (not to mention sharing a very entertaining story involving a hamster!). Pupils left excited about Sue’s work and the many paths to becoming a writer, and with much to consider about the importance of reading and empathy in combatting bullying and racism. Talitha in the LVI has reviewed Sue’s talk for the sixth form below:
“This week we welcomed Sue Cheung, a prolific author of young adult’s and children’s books who gave us an insightful presentation about her critically acclaimed novel Chinglish. Chinglish is in part a memoir of her childhood experiences and is reflective of some of the struggles that children face that people often overlook. It was inspiring for us to learn about a range of topics from book publications to personal growth. This meant that her presentation was impactful for a range of students, with her overarching message being that we should all show kindness to one another in all walks of life. Ms Cheng’s presentation was inspirational and we are all grateful to have had her at FHS.”
Throughout the week in the Library, pupils participated in various Book Week competitions and challenges. Many bravely borrowed ‘mystery reads’, selecting a wrapped book based on only a short hint about its contents. Others tackled the ‘Throwback Reads’ quiz, in which pupils had to correctly match the staff member to their photo and favourite read from back in their own school days. Some entered the Form Bookface Competition, taking photos in which they seamlessly melded with book covers. The most intrepid readers have embarked on our Bookish Bingo challenge, working on a grid of book and reading-related quests to complete by the end of term.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to and participated in our celebration of books, reading, and readers!
Miss O’Connor, Head of Libraries
