At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Newton Aycliffe, we are passionate about nurturing a lifelong love of reading, imagination and creativity. This week, our school community has come together to celebrate National Storytelling Week, a nationwide event that highlights the power of stories to inspire, connect and educate children.
Introducing Our Reading Ambassadors
We are also thrilled to introduce our new Reading Ambassadors! As part of our Year of Reading, this dedicated team of pupils will be promoting the joy and importance of reading across the school. They will be leading weekly reading groups and sending home monthly book recommendations to help inspire reading at home as well as in school.
Their very first event was a heartwarming visit to Rose Lodge Care Home, where they shared stories with residents. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with smiles, meaningful conversations and a shared appreciation for the joy a good book can bring.
Older Pupils Inspiring Younger Readers
Throughout the week, our older children have taken on a special role—reading stories to our younger pupils. It has been wonderful to see pupils across different year groups sharing books, talking about characters and discovering new stories together. These moments not only strengthen reading skills but also build confidence, empathy and leadership.
Storytelling Workshops with the National Literacy Trust
Today, both KS1 and KS2 took part in exciting storytelling workshops delivered by the National Literacy Trust, giving our children the opportunity to explore storytelling in creative and dynamic ways.
KS1: Storytelling Through Music with Annemarie Anang
Our Key Stage 1 pupils enjoyed a magical session led by author, storyteller and musician Annemarie Anang. Through sound, rhythm and music, children discovered how stories can come alive in new and imaginative ways. The workshop was filled with energy, laughter and creativity—perfect for sparking young imaginations.
KS2: The Power of Performance with Alim Kamara
Key Stage 2 pupils were captivated by storyteller and rapper Alim Kamara, who demonstrated how words, performance and music blend together to create powerful storytelling experiences. Children learned how expression, rhythm and creativity can transform a simple story into a performance that engages and inspires an audience.
A Week Filled with Inspiration and Joy
The enthusiasm from all our pupils has been incredible. Classrooms were buzzing with excitement, and it was wonderful to see storytelling celebrated in such varied and engaging ways. From shared reading sessions to performance-based workshops, the children were fully immersed in the joy of stories.
At St Joseph’s, we believe storytelling is at the heart of learning—and this week has truly showcased its magic. Our new Reading Ambassadors, combined with a vibrant programme of activities, have helped make National Storytelling Week one to remember.