Young people have been getting stuck into a good book as they are encouraged to read more at a Derby school.
Pupils at The Bemrose School have been taking part in a year-long reading challenge where they are encouraged to explore different genres and authors.
They read the books in their own time with the challenge aiming to give them the inspiration to read more
widely. The school has 87 young people taking part and some have read 15 or more already.
Pupils discuss the books with each other and share their recommendations.
The challenge is carried out in stages and they get a badge and certificate for each time they read five books.
Librarian Daryl Lowe said: “There is such a wide range of children’s and young adult books available now, with every type of character students need to be able to identify with.
“The challenge is there for all students. It’s important that they choose to read for pleasure as studies have shown that the more they are actively involved in reading, the better they do in exams and in life generally.
“If young people read a wide range of titles, their knowledge of the world increases correspondingly.”
Pupils have also enjoyed learning about new authors, as well as collecting the badges.
Mazia Fatima, year 10, said her favourite authors include Tahereh Mafi and the Holly Jackson series A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder. She added that reading is also good for mental health and “better than watching Netflix”.
Aleeza Ali, year 10, said: “I think it’s good to encourage young people to read so that when they grow up they will continue to read and it also helps with grammar. I enjoy doing it.”
Neil Wilkinson, Executive Headteacher at The Bemrose School, said: “It is fantastic to see so many pupils meeting the literacy challenge. The pupils all speak highly of the text they’ve read being able to recall their favourites and reason why.
“We know that reading is a vital skill that allows pupils access to so many different things in life. At The Bemrose School, we actively encourage the children to read from the very youngest age 3 right through to our post 16 pupils, reading superheroes in Primary and Literacy Challenges in Secondary spur and reward pupils with their reading of wide and varied text.
“I am so proud to be able to hand out so many rewards today.”
