GDST marks National Storytelling Week

30th January – 7th February marked National Storytelling Week 2022. At the GDST we place much emphasis on the importance and enjoyment of reading and telling stories. Our Adventures in Bookland initiative, launched in February 2021, not only helps our young people to develop strong communication and literacy skills, but is also integral to encouraging creativity, imagination and a lifelong love of reading and books. Not to mention the cosy pleasure of spending a chilly winter day getting lost in a good book, telling a story, and paying a visit to Bookland.

adventures in bookland gdst

For National Storytelling Week 2022, the theme was Your Story, and we were delighted to share a recording of storyteller Dan Walker’s session based around Laïla Koubaa’s Aziz and the Little Blue Bird. It’s was a great read, with rich descriptions of a far-off country, showing how much we have in common. ‘In recent difficult locked-down times, stories have helped us reconnect with an outside world that has sometimes seemed so distant,’ explained Dan, ‘and – just as importantly – they can put a smile on our faces.’

 

Storytelling helps young people to develop strong communication and literacy skills, but is also integral to encouraging creativity, imagination and a lifelong love of reading and books’

 

Whilst Adventures in Bookland is a celebration of the magic of stories, of creativity and make-believe, the chance to spark the excitement of entering the parallel universe of stories, tales, poems and fables, it is also a way of broadening our girls’ horizons and opening their eyes to different genres, and to diverse authors and narratives. Let’s not forget that it is an opportunity for parents, too, to enjoy reading with their children, and encouraging this part of their youngster’s emotional and academic development. 

 

Adventures in Bookland is a way of broadening horizons and opening eyes to different genres, and to diverse authors and narratives’

 

Every year, we are proud to celebrate National Storytelling Week across our family of 25 schools. Pupils from early years to Year 6 in schools across the GDST family regularly attend author talks online, enjoy daily story times, and go to virtual book clubs to share and discuss their favourite books. We have worked with a wide range of authors and illustrators including Ross Welford (Time Travelling With A Hamster, What Not To Do If You Turn Invisible) delivering live session, Clara Vulliamy (Dotty Detective, Marshmallow the Cat) and Fleur Hitchcock (Clifftoppers, Murder at Twilight) giving presentations, and Penny Chrimes judging writing competitions

 

‘In recent locked-down times, stories have helped us reconnect with an outside world that has sometimes seemed distant’

 

Most recently, junior school  pupils have enjoyed live sessions with Dame Jacqueline Wilson and Cat Doyle, with sessions planned for later in the year with authors such as Katie Kirby.

‘We are really excited about the range of authors, writers and storytellers we have involved in this project,’ says Amy Bailey, GDST Online Learning and Innovation Manager. ‘Adventures in Bookland is about allowing the students some escapism, but it’s also a chance to encourage girls to read for pleasure.’

Our Senior School and Sixth Form students also enjoy the chance to come together to celebrate the power of books and stories. Book Club Live events for Years 11-13 have featured author Juno Dawson reading excerpts from her Young Adult novel Wonderland, writer Rachel Edwards on her thriller Darling, and Youtuber and education activist Vee Kativhu discussing her book Empowered. Upcoming events include journalist and sustainability activist Lauren Bravo on How To Break Up With Fast Fashion