Prestfelde School clearly demonstrates its enthusiasm for reading for pleasure throughout the curriculum.

Prestfelde School has been involved with Shropshire Bookfest since Book Award was launched in 2010. Over the years, the school has been able to roll this  scheme out as a whole school reading for pleasure programme which has immeasurably benefited over 350 students. From reading groups and competitions to corridor displays and film-making experiences, Bookfest is always at the heart of their curriculum offer.

Their once-a-week standalone Library lessons and daily in-class reading time have allowed pupils to relax and read in both a classroom and non-classroom environment; this quiet, individual reading time has given the pupils the confidence to remain consistent in their reading habits.  In previous years, the school has hosted book ‘tasting’ sessions to introduce the pupils to that year’s exciting book selection and has run cross-curricular workshops with the Art and ICT departments to create some beautiful artwork and impressive film trailers. Staff members from across the school have attended inspiring and worthwhile CPD sessions hosted by Bookfest and they have been able to implement and embed the training within the work that they are doing in school. The Senior School Library, managed by Librarian, Mrs Cowen, is always a hive of activity whether it is in break and lunchtimes or in dedicated ‘Library Lessons’.

Prestfelde is also currently (2024) working on their new Partnership and Community Engagement model and is keen to ensure that literacy movements such as this is represented right across the school. In terms of School Development, this falls under their ‘Academic’ strategic pillar and becoming a Shropshire Bookfest Leading in Reading Ambassador cements the wonderful literacy work that is going on right across the school. In the future, Prestfelde hopes to partner with other schools in the area to share our resources and develop our love of Bookfest even further.