All of our Year 7 students have received a free book of their choice thanks to the "Bookbuzz' reading programme, which is designed to help schools encourage reading for pleasure among young people.

In Year 7, we focus very much on developing reading skills and building vocabulary so that students enter Year 8 with a high level of literacy skills that will help them succeed in all subjects. The Bookbuzz scheme allows schools to purchase books at a reduced cost; this means that we can give them to our students for free.

English Teacher, Miss Swales registered for the programme as she felt it was an excellent way to increase enthusiasm among students. She said, "Reading is the easiest way to improve all round English skills yet it is something that young people do less and less. We are determined to show our young people how wonderful it is to absorb yourself in a book. Reading improves imagination, analytical skills and creative thinking as well as the obvious spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; the benefits are enormous."

Students are now busy reading their book and will soon write a review as part of their studies. They are also being encouraged to exchange their book once finished, in our Renaissance Reading room so that they can enjoy other titles too.