We were delighted to see the recent initiative in the Sunday Times calling on schools, charities and communities to “get Britain reading” and emphasising the importance of book-banks, donations and volunteering. We warmly welcome this national focus on reading, which reflects the strong culture of reading and promoting a love of books already thriving here at Richmond House.
Mrs Lucas and Mrs Young have been working enthusiastically with our Year 5 and Year 6 pupils to set aspirational reading targets, encourage peer recommendations, and inspire a community of readers who share their passion for books.
That enthusiasm was on full display last week when our Year 6 pupils shared their love of reading with our Reception children. During this heart-warming session, they became storytellers, captivating their younger peers with engaging tales and encouraging a lifelong love of reading.
Here’s what some of our Year 6 pupils have to say about reading:
What do you enjoy about reading?
Niamh: “After a busy day, reading helps me relax and escape into a different world.”
Why do you think reading is important?
Niharika: “You can take inspiration from books you’ve read and use those ideas in your own work. It also gives you new ideas and vocabulary you can use in your writing.”
What would you say to someone who says they don’t like reading?
Waleed: “Explore different genres until you find one you like. I didn’t enjoy reading at first, but once I found mystery and adventure stories, I couldn’t stop!”
Niharika: “There’s a book for everyone! If one doesn’t grab you, try another until you find one you love.”
By embedding this reading culture in the everyday life of the school and giving our pupils real roles in promoting and enjoying books, we are not only supporting literacy but also building confident, curious learners. Thanks to Mrs Lucas, Mrs Young, our teachers and our wonderful pupils for driving this forward, together we’re staying ahead of the curve.