Your secondary school can launch World Book Day 2026 with the Jigsaw PSHE assembly for students aged 11–16. The assembly introduces the link between reading and wellbeing through the NHS 5 Ways to Wellbeing. It sets the context for the rest of your pack, helping students reflect on their reading choices and understand how books can support their mental health.
Why it works
Many young people enjoy reading less as they move into secondary school, even though they still value the escape and connection that books can offer. This assembly reframes reading as a wellbeing tool instead of a school requirement. It validates the full range of reading choices, including graphic novels, poetry, fanfiction, audiobooks, manga, and online texts. By connecting reading to themes that feel relevant to teenagers, such as managing stress or learning new perspectives, the assembly encourages students to look again at how reading can fit into their lives.
Who is it for
- Secondary teachers and senior leaders
- Assembly coordinators
- PSHE leads
- Form tutors
- The whole school community (ages 11–16)
How to use it
Use the assembly for whole-school delivery or adapt it for key stage groups. It can stand alone or introduce your World Book Day activities. It prepares students for the Reading celebration template and helps them understand the wellbeing themes before exploring the Reading suggestions list or taking part in community-building activities.
Get started
Download the presentation and review the five wellbeing themes in a secondary context. Decide whether to reference specific books or invite student examples. Encourage contributions from both staff and students to make the assembly feel relevant and relatable.
Further Jigsaw resources
Part of the World Book Day + Jigsaw PSHE 2026 collection
This assembly introduces all your secondary resources. Use it before students complete Reading celebration templates or join activities from the guide. The Reading suggestions offer age-appropriate examples linked to each wellbeing theme. Visit the Jigsaw partner page for the full pack and downloads:
- Activities guide
- Reading suggestions
- Reading celebration template
