Secondary school students hop on the Bradford Stories Bus in celebration of World Book Day

Oasis Academy Lister Park celebrated World Book Day as they jump onboard the Bradford Stories bright yellow school bus from New York.

The Bradford Stories Bus, launched in the city in 2021, is a permanent library space promoting community literacies and reading for pleasure in the city. It was converted into an incredible book retreat for children and families by the Bradford Stories Hub and National Literacy Trust. With seating areas, bookshelves, a ‘selfie space’ and soft furnishings, the bus is a space dedicated to running literacy-themed events, from writing and reading activities, to storytelling performances, open mic poetry events and book launches.

The bus visited students at Oasis Academy Lister Park for a session of storytelling, focusing on speaking and reading. Oasis Community Hub Leader – Lister Park, Jade Ibegbuna, organised the event and collaborated with Bradford Stories in hopes to bring the local community together to share opportunities for those with limited access to books and to encourage students to share stories in more compelling ways.

The bus made its way to Manningham in Bradford, where groups of students from Years 7 – 11 from Oasis Academy Lister Park could enter the bus, and participate in storytelling, poetry writing and book gifting. The workshop was highly praised by staff who saw improvements in attitudes and behaviours towards reading for pleasure and supporting wellbeing in diverse communities.

Literacy Champion and Hub Leader Jade Ibegbuna, also organised for the Hub’s community group to take part in family storytelling, to inspire and encourage families to express themselves and tell their own stories.

“The day has been absolutely magical, to see young people engaging in literacy in such an innovative way and being captivated through storytelling was truly special. Thank you to everyone involved that made this day such a brilliant one – the team at ‘Bradford Stories’ are incredible and we feel very lucky to have had the bus at our school for everyone in the local community to enjoy.”

Principal of Oasis Academy Lister Park, Sian Dover, also commented: “We recognise the importance of literacy and are thrilled that our students were able to take part in such a unique experience, which has ultimately inspired them to further develop the skills they have in innovative ways from the brilliant workshops provided by Bradford Bus Stories. Thank you to everyone involved in organising this event for our students and the community.”

Imran Hafeez, Bradford Stories Manager at the National Literacy Trust, says: “We know that children, who enjoy reading and read more frequently, do better at school and this helps them to fulfil their potential and aspirations.

“The Bradford Stories Bus is an amazing project which brings storytelling and events like World Book Day directly to Bradford children, schools and communities, and inspires them to fall in love with reading. I hope that Oasis Academy Lister Park and all of the children who take part in our World Book Day celebrations feels inspired to continue reading for pleasure today and every day.”