CHILDREN were left spellbound after conjuring up magical work based around the theme of Harry Potter.

Youngsters at Spring Meadow Primary School and School House Nursery, in Harwich, enjoyed a day of celebration - the first of three reading events this month - in association with the Book Trust.

Harry Potter Day was chosen by assistant headteacher Katy Seacombe to promote a love of reading through the legendary JK Rowling books.

Children had the opportunity to read and explore sections of the stories.

They discussed other work by the author and talked about similarities, differences and reoccurring themes.

Each class explored the books in exciting ways, following different parts of their curriculum.

Children experimented with potions in science, created silhouettes in art, made magic wands using sticks during design technology, wrote newspaper reports in literacy and took part in cooking sessions.

All the children had a magical day, being served a special Harry Potter lunch.

Mrs Seacombe said: “As reading lead, I’m on a mission to ensure pupils develop a love of reading for pleasure, as well as to ensure it underpins our whole curriculum through the use of high-quality books.

“I’ve chosen a number of reading-related events this academic year in the hope celebrating such days at school will give children an exciting, first-hand experience of how books can link to the curriculum and broaden experiences.”

Other events planned later this month are World Bee Day and Pyjamarama Day.

Aspiring artists - these Year 6 pupils used water-colour paint to create silhouettes of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Pictured are Sophea Stephens, Lucy Readings, Jamie Patnell and Kirsty Warren

Aspiring artists - these Year 6 pupils used water-colour paint to create silhouettes of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Pictured are Sophea Stephens, Lucy Readings, Jamie Patnell and Kirsty Warren

Witches and wizards - Reception children made wands, capes and sorting hats during their exploration of the Harry Potter books. Pictured from left in the front row are Marcie Bennett, Cailean Munro, Aaron Williams, Harper-Rose Palmer, Connie Taylor,

Witches and wizards - Reception children made wands, capes and sorting hats during their exploration of the Harry Potter books. Pictured from left in the front row are Marcie Bennett, Cailean Munro, Aaron Williams, Harper-Rose Palmer, Connie Taylor, Bella Howard, Lily-May Peachey, Halle-Mai Palmer, Oliver Holsgrove and Violet Clarke. In the back row, from left, are Henry Dickens, Bradley Smith, Frankie Ribbans, Viktor Maklakiewicz, Maria Gailu, Gracie-Mae Whittaker, Lexi Warner, Adele Cranmer, Mia-Rose Leggett, Ellen Durrant and Lacey Repman

It’s a kind of magic - Nursery youngster Torin Tunmore created a special picture using scissors, glue and glitter

It’s a kind of magic - Nursery youngster Torin Tunmore created a special picture using scissors, glue and glitter

Spell the beans - Nursery children made edible magic wands using melted chocolate and sprinkles before using them to try to make spells. Pictured is Aalimah Ali and in the background is Eliza Nicholas

Spell the beans - Nursery children made edible magic wands using melted chocolate and sprinkles before using them to try to make spells. Pictured is Aalimah Ali and in the background is Eliza Nicholas

Making magic - Year 3 pair Georgina Smith and Dolly-Rose Allen Smith were inspired to create mystical art pieces using mixed media

Making magic - Year 3 pair Georgina Smith and Dolly-Rose Allen Smith were inspired to create mystical art pieces using mixed media

Double, double toil and trouble - Nursery children created magical potions in the water tray. Pictured are Eliza Nicholas, Aalimah Ali, Leyton, Charlie Collingwood

Double, double toil and trouble - Nursery children created magical potions in the water tray. Pictured are Eliza Nicholas, Aalimah Ali, Leyton, Charlie Collingwood

Model pupil - Remmie Ardent and her friends in the Nursery class enjoyed creating frogs, cats and wands, using magical black Playdough. This activity enabled them to develop their language skills

Model pupil - Remmie Ardent and her friends in the Nursery class enjoyed creating frogs, cats and wands, using 'magical' black Playdough. This activity enabled them to develop their language skills