Student librarians at St John’s Catholic School in Bishop Auckland were treated to a truly magical celebration this week as part of their successful Key Fund project, transforming the LRC into a literary‑themed dining experience inspired by Roald Dahl’s Matilda.

As part of their reward day, the students enjoyed an imaginative cinematic dining experience that brought the beloved story to life through food, creativity, and a shared love of reading.

A Feast Inspired by Matilda

Before the meal could begin, our hardworking student librarians spent two hours on a carefully planned shopping trip to select every ingredient they needed to recreate iconic moments from the book and film. Once back at school, the LRC was transformed into a vibrant setting for an unforgettable themed feast.

Students were treated to:

  • Pancakes—just like Matilda enjoyed at Miss Honey’s
  • A table full of Wormwood‑style “junk food”, bursting with colours and fun
  • A legendary chocolate cake, a challenge even Bruce Bogtrotter would be proud of
  • A mischievous “newt cocktail,” inspired by Miss Trunchbull’s unforgettable classroom shock

The experience brought storytelling to life in a new and exciting way, showing how literature can spark creativity and joy far beyond the pages of a book.

Celebrating Leadership and Reading at St John’s

The Student Librarian Programme at St John’s continues to play an important role in promoting reading for pleasure and supporting the daily running of the school library. This reward day recognised not just their hard work, but also their commitment to cultivating a positive reading culture across the school.

Laughter filled the LRC as students bonded over their themed dishes, favourite stories, and the magic of Matilda’s world. It was an afternoon full of fun, teamwork, and well‑deserved celebration.

A Well‑Earned Treat

A huge congratulations to our brilliant student librarians—your dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership make a real difference to our school community. You’ve absolutely earned this special experience, and we’re already excited to see what you achieve next!