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Reading Challenge target
Smashed by College Students

last term, during lockdown, students were encouraged to
participate in Read for good’s new reading initiative, track My
Read. the learning Resource Centre set the target goal to 500
hours of reading (30,000 minutes). over fifty students from all
Year groups took part, logging their reading daily. By their
deadline of thursday, 1 April, students had read for an amazing
568 hours (34,090 minutes)
elsie, in Year 10, was the biggest reader, achieving a total of 4755 minutes of reading.
“elsie is a huge reader and this was a great opportunity for her to share her passion”, said
holly trafford, College librarian.
Year 12 student, Annabelle, read for a total of 3315 minutes, and said, “track My Read has
really helped me to reflect on what I had read”. holly added, “Annabelle logged some
wonderful insights on what she was reading, and it was great to read her opinions as she
read through a book; it was like we were reading along with her! We were very proud of
all our readers, and look forward to using track My Read again.”
Caroline Johnson, Associate leader, said, “track My Read is a fantastic initiative to encourage students
to read for pleasure. We all know how important reading is, and it was fantastic to see the diverse range of
books that students were devouring as part of the challenge.”
Learning Resource Centre 9

Celebrating Carnegie through enrichment

In June the learning Resource Centre celebrated the CIlIP Carnegie nominated
books with students from Years 7, 8 and 9 who were invited to read each of the
eight shortlisted books and then partake in the weekly Carnegie Club, where they
discussed books, played games, and completed creative tasks based on the
shortlist.
on the day of the CIlIP Carnegie Medal Winner announcement, students spent
the day designing and making their own cushion covers inspired by their
favourite Carnegie nominated book. each cushion was completely unique
showcasing the students’ endless creativity and talents.
Natasha, in Year 8 said, “It was fun thinking of ideas inspired by the Carnegie books.” and,
Cara, also in Year 8 added, “I thought today went really well and the cushion covers all looked so
cool and related to the books.”
the students watched the official award ceremony, hosted by University Challenge star and author,
Bobby Seagull, and livestreamed from the British library.
Jude in Year 8 said, “Watching the ceremony was tense because I really wanted Run, Rebel to win.” It was
announced that US poet and author, Jason Reynolds, was this year’s winner for his novel look Both Ways.
”evie in Year 8 said, “look Both Ways was based on so many different viewpoints of life which relate to
children, so I think in that way Jason Reynolds and his book are a deserving winner.” while eloise, also in Year 8,
added, “today was a very fun experience and listening to the authors was very inspiring.”
overall the day was a huge success and the librarians were glad to finally be able to celebrate reading for
pleasure with students once more.
"It is fantastic to see students share their love of reading with one another and to hear the passion in their
reviews.” Charlotte hanton, Associate leader.