What began as an idea in Book Gang, developed and grew into a wonderful week of fun activities focussing on reading and books.

During the week, 24 classes visited the library and 252 books were issued. Intervals and lunchtimes were busy with the buzz of boys beavering away on the competitions, finding the clues, solving the puzzles and participating enthusiastically in the daily themed activities. Many students received rewards for “Random Acts Of Reading”.

Highlights of the week were the Scavenger Hunt, The Lucky Dip, Guess who’s behind the book, Party in the Pit, the Debate and the Fellowship Morning tea, hosted by our International Department.

Students from Book Gang were responsible for planning and running the various activities and keeping tabs on the participation points and prize winners. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Lukas Ghidella, Quinn Bailey, Alex McKeever, Samuel Glossop, Cam Fraser and Samuel Dorne-Cumming. Plans are already underway for next year’s Book Week.

We are extremely grateful to the University Book Shop (USB) for their generous sponsorship and support of our event.

UBS $30 Book Vouchers for the most points overall are awarded to:

• Chase Bennett-Hill - Year 13 - SJp
• Ian Tan - Year 9 -TNk
• Nic Schollum - Year 9 - TCg
• Adam Salisbury - Year 9 - TCg
• Samuel Glover - Year 13 - SSi

Students’ Reflections

My opinion of book week is one of amazement. Amazement at the success and amazement at the level of participation.

It was sensational and, with all the different things going on, there was something for everyone. Putting it together and then watching everyone have a go at something I helped make, was very satisfying.

It all started just before Term 2. It was just an idea on paper, at the time, discussed during a Book Gang session. We just wanted to advertise the Library and encourage readers to find the right book. We wanted to make the most of the amazing Library we are lucky to have.

Quinn Bailey 9Nk

Book week first started as a simple idea down on paper. But this soon escalated into a week full of immersive and indulgent activities. I was part of organising and creating book week to bring to the students of King’s for a memorable week. Since our special event was in week five of the term, our team had to start work on it immediately. It was a tough few weeks for us while we worked away on this marvelous concept to attract more students to our splendid Library. 

I helped design, create and organise the mysterious scavenger hunt, the topical quiz, the fantasy word-search and tally up the points that were used to determine your level of participation. There were also countless other activities for the young men and boys at King’s to occupy themselves with, that others made. The process for making these activities was to first come up with an idea or a concept, then we had to do a rough copy on paper of what that would look like and finalise it. To make these activities perfect, fun, and immersive we had to constantly keep changing them until it surpassed our high standards. 

All in all, this fine idea turned out to be a stunning success with King’s students of all ages turning up, having fun and participating. We very much look forward to repeating this astounding event next year with even more diverse and obscure activities for absolutely everyone.

Lukas Ghidella 9Nk

The Great Escape was a fantastic week for us, we set off trying to bring in people to the Library with unique activities, great fun and the knowledge that being in the Library doesn't necessarily mean you have to sit down and read a book. You can sit down play games, stay warm and enjoy your intervals and lunchtimes. 

Throughout the week we did so successfully. We saw a great influx of people at the very start of the week with the scavenger hunt, and “who's the teacher behind the book?” Tuesday brought us the quiz and that popped off with an extreme amount of entries and prizes handed out. Wednesday was the biggest party ever seen in the Library followed by a very intense and interesting game of Book Bingo. Thursday was a quiet day with a lucky dip and a nice day to relax before Friday when we held an amazing morning tea with the International Students who brought some divine food and an intense debate with the final outcome of whether physical books are recommended over e-books. 

Overall, The Great Escape was an amazing week for us and we are looking forward to the next one next year!

Sam Glossop Yr 13