This week on The Bookmark, the official podcast of King's Academy Lord Wilson, host Dr. Matthias sits down with a truly remarkable guest. Davey, a Year 7 student and a "maths wizard" who is set to become the youngest pupil in the school's history to sit a math exam, reveals a different side of his academic passions: a deep love for "dark and scary" Gothic literature.

In this episode, we dive into the unsettling world of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline. Davey shares his insights on:

• The definition of atavism and why Gothic stories often look to the past.

• Classic Gothic icons like Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

• The terrifying reality of the Other Mother and why the book is even darker than its film adaptation.

The episode concludes with an atmospheric live reading by Davey from Chapter 11 of Coraline, where Coraline confronts her Other Mother in a crumbling, empty version of her own home. Grab your headphones and get comfortable—it’s time to turn the page.

In this episode of The Bookmark, we welcome our first student guest from Key Stage 4. Harry (Year 11) joins us to discuss his love for sports literature and how the podcast has already inspired him to pick up a new favourite book.

Harry and Dr Matthias discuss:

• Harry’s recent read, Kammy by the legendary Chris Kamara.

• The transition of Chris Kamara from a tough midfielder to a beloved broadcaster.

• A surprise connection between the book and TV presenter Bradley Walsh.

• Recommendations for other "must-read" football books, including Inverting the Pyramid and Fever Pitch.

Whether you're a football fan like Harry or just love a good underdog story, this episode is a great look into the world of non-fiction.

Episode 4 of The Bookmark marks a milestone as we move from staff recommendations to the voices of our pupils. Stephen (Year 7) takes the mic to advocate for more students to join the podcast and share the stories they love.

Tune in to hear:

• Stephen’s perspective on how reading acts as a "transport to a magical world".

• The importance of seeing yourself in literature, specifically through Percy Jackson's journey as a hero with unique challenges.

• Why The Lightning Thief is a must-read for all year groups at Kings Academy Lord Wilson.

In our third episode, we’re delighted to welcome Helen Davies to the podcast! While many of you know her for the incredible support she provides to students across Lord Wilson, today she joins us to share her passion for reading and its power to offer an escape into different worlds.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Joy of Reading: Helen shares how she makes time for a chapter a day as a way to relax and "transcend" into someone else’s story.

• A Wide Range of Genres: From self-help books to the latest finds at Waterstones, we discuss how reading preferences evolve over time—and why Helen enjoys a bit of everything.

• Book Recommendation: Helen introduces us to a powerful and historic text: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl. This isn't just a memoir of the Holocaust; it is a profound study of how hope and motivation can act as survival tools in the darkest of times.

• Exclusive Reading: Helen reads a thought-provoking segment that challenges us to change our attitude toward life—shifting from asking what we expect from life to what life expects from us.

Whether you’re interested in history, philosophy, or just a great story about the human spirit, this episode is a must-listen. Grab your headphones, get comfortable, and let’s turn the pages together. Happy listening!

In our second episode, we are joined by the wonderful Miss Baker! While she’s a familiar face at Lord Wilson, today she takes us on a journey through the shadows of classic horror and the chaos of the undead.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The Legend of Dracula: We take a deep dive into Bram Stoker’s masterpiece. Miss Baker helps us explore why the world’s most famous vampire continues to fascinate readers over a century later and how the Gothic atmosphere of Transylvania still haunts our modern imagination.

• Gothic Roots: Continuing our love for the dark and atmospheric, we discuss the evolution of Gothic literature and how the themes of the Victorian era paved the way for the horror stories we love today.

• Book Recommendation: Miss Baker introduces us to a truly unique survival story: Watson the Cat in a Zombie Apocalypse. Forget everything you know about the end of the world—this story follows the apocalypse through the eyes of a very brave (and perhaps slightly cynical) feline. It’s a must-read for animal lovers and horror fans alike.

• Exclusive Reading: Sit back as Miss Baker reads a thrilling segment from Watson’s adventures, describing the moment the world goes quiet and the hunt for tuna—and survival—begins.

Grab your headphones, get comfortable, and let’s turn the pages together. Happy listening!