World in Words: A literary Journey – Celebrating Literacy Week

Elaine Zhang
Acting Coordinator of Librarians
At Wellington College Hangzhou, we believe that literacy is the foundation of learning, creativity and global understanding. This year, our Literacy Week, themed "World in Words: A Festive Journey Through Books," was a vibrant celebration of reading, storytelling and imagination. From author visits to creative competitions, the entire school community came together to embrace the joy of literature.




Literacy Week was a true collaboration across departments, reflecting our shared dedication to fostering a love of reading. With five well-stocked libraries and a diverse collection of books, Wellington College Hangzhou provides rich resources to inspire every pupil. This event highlighted our commitment to nurturing critical thinking, cultural appreciation and lifelong learning.
We were honoured to host renowned authors who brought stories to life:

Primary School
English author Kev Payne and Chinese writer Tang Tang captivated young readers. Tang Tang's interactive sessions taught children the magic of exaggeration—turning simple ideas into extraordinary tales—while Kev's playful poetry workshops showed how creativity blossoms with games and guided support.


Senior School
Nick Toczek and Chen Lei shared their literary journeys, inspiring pupils to explore new genres and ideas.
Nick worked closely with our pupils in small groups to craft powerful, imaginative poetry. His kindness, enthusiasm and expertise left a lasting impression, proving just how transformative creative writing can be.
Literacy Week is a vital celebration of the written and spoken word, fostering confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of language. Nick's visit exemplified this—pupils not only developed their poetic skills but also discovered the joy of self-expression.
Book signings and sales allowed pupils to take home signed copies, creating lasting connections with literature.


Engaging Activities for All Ages
Book Fair & Sales – Pupils explored new titles at the Poolside Café, expanding their personal libraries.
World Book Day Parade – The whole school dressed as their favourite literary characters, celebrating creativity and storytelling.
Reading & Writing Competitions – From "Read Around the World" videos to non-fiction writing challenges, pupils showcased their talents.
Reading Buddies – Younger pupils paired with older peers, fostering kindness and mentorship.
Bookmark Competition – Pupils designed creative bookmarks, celebrating artistic expression and a love for books.
Guess the Book – Teachers provided intriguing clues about books, and pupils eagerly guessed the titles, with answers revealed on 25th April.
Themed Reading Stations & Photo Spots – Pupils enjoyed immersive reading experiences and captured memories.



Living Our Wellington Values
Kindness – Reading Buddies and shared stories strengthened bonds across year groups.
Responsibility – Pupils took ownership of their learning by engaging in competitions and discussions.
Respect – Celebrating both English and Chinese authors highlighted our appreciation for diverse cultures.
Courage – Public speaking events and creative writing encouraged pupils to express themselves confidently.
Integrity – Honest participation in quizzes and competitions reflected our commitment to fairness.


A Community United by Literature
From staff book swaps to Stories for Breakfast with parents, Literacy Week brought together pupils, teachers and families in a shared love of reading. The enthusiasm and participation from every corner of the school demonstrated how literacy connects us all.
As we close this chapter of Literacy Week, we look forward to seeing how these experiences continue to inspire our pupils. At Wellington College Hangzhou, we don't just read books—we explore worlds, challenge ideas and grow together through the power of words.
Keep reading, keep imagining and keep discovering!
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