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Outstanding Readathon School
Reading and raising funds for charity
As a school, we have run sponsored reads, known as Readathons, for the Nailsworth-based charitable organisation Read for Good for a number of years, raising money for their books and storytellers in hospitals programme (and now their Brilliant Box of Books programme too).
We were delighted to hear in November 2024 that we have been awarded an 'Outstanding Readathon School' award. Incredibly, due to generous donations, we have raised £19,972 through a total of 25 Readathons since 1995! Do look out for the very striking orange plaque on display in our Reception!
We are very proud of this achievement and would like to thank our Librarian Mrs Bond and previous librarians who have run these events in our Library, aka The PLC. Those pupils in Years 7-10 who sign up and are accepted to do a Readathon, spend an extended period of time off timetable, based in the PLC, and, quite simply, reading.
'Our annual Readathons take place at the start of March, to coincide with World Book Day. Every year, pupils amaze us with their commitment and desire to help other children. The atmosphere in the library is warming, with pupils enjoying the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a book (or two); often, but not always, with friends who similarly love to read. The hot chocolate and biscuits are always very popular!' Mrs Bond, Librarian
We encourage everyone to read for at least 20 minutes each day, no matter your age. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find time or a quiet space to read, but we would encourage everyone to persevere.
It really is worth persevering, as evidence strongly suggests there are a number of positive effects associated with reading for pleasure. A direct relationship exists between reading frequency, reading enjoyment and attainment.
Read about some of our previous Readathons:
READING FOR PLEASURE
Reading for pleasure is an activity that has positive emotional and social consequences. Research claims that reading is a great method of lowering stress. A huge international survey called The Rest Test found that reading was the best way to find respite from the pressures of modern life, beating other relaxing activities such as being in a natural environment, being on your own, listening to music and doing nothing in particular. The late presenter Dr Michael Moseley maintained in an episode of his ‘Just One Thing’ podcast that reading regularly not only boosts your brain power, but also prolongs your life!
Suggested Reads
Although still some weeks away, we are already looking forward to the fact that the Christmas break is an ideal opportunity to indulge in some quality reading time, whatever the subject matter. Why not look at our Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 Recommended Reading Lists for young people.
Some of our staff are looking forward to giving and receiving the following books:
- Lessons by Ian McEwan
- Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
- The History of Bees by Maja Lunde
- Orbital by Samantha Harvey
- Geiger by Gustav Skordeman
- 10 Minutes and 38 Seconds in this Strange World by Elif Shafak
- The Quality of Silence by Rosamund Lupton
- Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
- Wintering by Katherine May
- Running Up That Hill by Vassos Alexander