A SECONDARY school has come up with a wizard way to promote World Book Day with the much-loved Harry Potter series by JK Rowling.

Students at St Francis Xavier School in Richmond have signed up to take part in a wide range of activities linked to Hogwarts high jinx including a book and bake group, potions class, quizzes and a muggle Quidditch tournament.

Organiser Doctor Langford has included different activities leading up to World Book Day on Thursday, March 5 to involve as many students as possible, raising awareness and promoting reading in school; “As a school we try extremely hard to maintain the good reading habits that students establish in primary school.

"We want to encourage students to develop their love of reading, not only to increase their literacy across all their subjects but as something that will continue to enrich their lives after they leave St Francis Xavier School. World Book Day is a chance for students to celebrate their love of reading and to ask questions about how they can enjoy reading more. This year’s World Book Day will give all students, especially ‘Potterheads’ a chance to enjoy this although we’ve included events for non-fans too!

"We’ve more importantly chosen a theme this year based on a series that becomes more challenging as it progresses.

"We want to give the message that students should be challenging themselves in their reading too.”

World Book Day is a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and most importantly it’s a celebration of reading. In fact, it’s the biggest celebration of its kind, designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and marked in over 100 countries all over the world.

The school events will culminate with a fancy dress day of Thursday, March 5 with students and staff invited to compete for the award of best Potter outfit.