Capitalising on the high profile of sport within the school, a competitive sport themed approach has been introduced to raise the profile of reading for pleasure. Pupils engage in different races to earn points for their houses, and a reading cup sits alongside the other trophies on display. While this motivates readers meaning some have increased their reading mileage, it has also had the impact of expanding their reading repertoires as the reading races encourage participants to read a range of different text types. The inclusion of magazines and graphic novels gives a subtle message about valuing all reading. Labelled boxes in the library support children’s selection of different text types. One of the pupil librarians, who we met while on their breaktime duty in the library, told us how certain books are much in demand. We heard about a reading group that some pupils had initiated around one of these popular books. The school uses an online platform for pupils to share book recommendations and another for staff.

Reading for pleasure is embedded throughout school life and championed by [title of the teacher] and the head of English. To raise the profile of staff as readers with the pupils, images of staff current reads are displayed on the staff room windows overlooking the playground. The school community gather together in the theatre for ‘drop everything and read’ time twice a week. In the boarding houses open-facing bookshelves have been installed in prominent positions to tempt children to read, and at bed time older pupils read with younger pupils. A new initiative has been introduced to promote reading across the curriculum: the first termly themed reading display, on geography, has been placed in a prominent position where it will be seen by staff, parents and children.   Julie Holmwood – Senior Lecturer in Primary Education, University Centre Shrewsbury

We have been involved with Bookfest since 2014 and it has become an integral part of our curriculum inspiring teachers and pupils alike to love books. We can’t wait for the next one! Sam Hughes – Packwood Haugh School April 2022