To mark World Book Day® last week, pupils from Meon Way Federation, Penbridge Infant School and Penbridge Junior School were invited to try and break a Guinness World Record™ for the most people at one reading lesson.
Basked in glorious sunshine on the south coast, 6,715 participants were in attendance, surpassing the previous record of 3,509.
The event saw Portsmouth Creates, Portsmouth Football Club, Pompey in the Community and Portsmouth Library Services join forces to host the finale of ‘In Our Words’, a year-long festival of reading and literacy.
Speaking of her pride for her school’s involvement, Anna Webb, Executive Headteacher for Penbridge School said:
“It’s incredible to have seen our pupils play their part by doing something extraordinary, I couldn't be prouder!
“Reading and literacy are fundamental lifelong skills which through metacognition, we teach our pupils to love learning for life and become thoughtful, resilient learners”.
The event was hosted by Blue Peter presenter Abby Cook, where pupils were invited to dress up as their favourite book characters.
The event also featured a Mexican Wave in the stadium. Pupils were also guided through structured reading, and then discussing the themes and characters together.
(All images courtesy of Joe Watson and Portsmouth Creates)