The Power of Reading

For those who may not know me, I am Kelly Powell, Deputy Head of Junior School (Pastoral) and Junior School Designated Safeguarding Lead at Bromley High School.

At Bromley High School, we believe that reading is more than just a foundational academic skill; it is a gateway to imagination, empathy and lifelong discovery.

Rooted in our values of Curiosity, Compassion and Courage, reading encourages pupils to explore unfamiliar worlds, encounter new perspectives and build the confidence that shapes compassionate and thoughtful young people.

During Book Week, our Junior School community fully embraced the theme “Go All In”, celebrating the magic of stories through a series of engaging activities designed to inspire a genuine love of reading.

Reading for Enjoyment

Developing strong reading skills is essential, but we believe the true key to lifelong literacy lies in reading for enjoyment. Whether a pupil is in Reception or preparing to move on to Senior School, the ability to lose oneself in a story is a powerful gift.

Our Book Week theme encouraged pupils to see reading as something far richer than simply dressing up as a favourite character. It was about sharing stories, sparking curiosity and building a community around books.

Bringing Stories to Life

One highlight of the week was a special visit from author Judith Eagle, who spoke to Year 5 and Year 6 pupils about her atmospheric mystery novels, including The Secret Starling and The Accidental Stowaway. Her stories, filled with determination, adventure and problem-solving, inspired pupils to think about how stories are created and why imagination matters.

Throughout the week, pupils also enjoyed daily D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) sessions, where students and staff paused their day to simply enjoy reading together. These moments celebrated curiosity and demonstrated the importance of protecting time for intellectual and imaginative growth.

Another highlight was the lively Book Week Quiz, which brought pupils together in vertically organised pastoral groups from Reception through to Year 6. The event fostered teamwork, friendly competition and a shared enthusiasm for literature across the entire Junior School.

Celebrating Books as a Community

World Book Day provided a wonderful finale to the week, as pupils and staff arrived dressed as their favourite literary characters. With Senior School House Captains helping to judge the costume parade, the celebration brought together different parts of the school and reminded everyone that the joy of reading has no age limit.

Book Week also extended beyond the classroom. The BHPA Book Drive encouraged families to donate books for children aged 3–11, building on last year’s success when more than 1,000 books were redistributed to primary schools across South East London. Initiatives such as this reflect our commitment to making reading accessible to every child.

Meanwhile, the Book Fair in the Junior School hall provided an opportunity for parents and pupils to discover new titles together, strengthening the connection between home and school and reinforcing the importance of reading as a shared experience.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on a wonderful week, we thank our parents and the wider Bromley High community for their continued support.

Reading is not simply part of our curriculum — it is part of who we are. It shapes our learners, strengthens character and opens doors to the bright futures our pupils will go on to create.

For more highlights from Book Week across the school, including Senior School activities and visiting authors, please read our Book Week Celebrations article.