Promoting a love of reading

We are very keen to encourage reading and the joy of books at Saint Paul's Catholic High School in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester. We have some extremely avid readers including Grace, Rugile and Michael, who were recently rewarded by the English Department in recognition of their dedication to reading.

Year 7 - Michael (1,203,086 words) - He has read all the Harry Potter books and 'Jurassic Park' by Michael Crichton.

Year 8 - Rugile (1,228,077) - She is a horror and fantasy fan. She has read 'The Wardstone Chronicles' series by Joseph Delaney (13 books) and 'The Power of Five' series by Anthony Horowitz

Year 9 - Grace (765,334 words) - She has varied interests and has read 'The Diary of Wimpy Kid' Series (humour), The Book Thief by M. Zusak (historical fiction), My Hero Academia series (Manga), 'The Primrose Railway Children' by J. Wilson (adventure) and a few mystery books, e.g. 'They Both Die in the End' and 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder'.

"We like to remind students and staff of all ages to make reading a priority activity in their lives," explained Librarian Mrs Irena Savova. "We want people to make reading a regular part of their routine whether they're reading solo or together with their classmates, parents, or friends." she said; "we want to help students to develop a life-long love of reading for it is very important to instil in young people a need and desire to read."

"We are enjoying promoting reading across the school and seeing the benefits and pleasures of this," explained Mr Jamie Sharrock, English teacher. "We know that students who read gain a greater understanding of the world in which they live, learning to appreciate how writers use language for effect, and they extend their repertoire of vocabulary."

Mr Mike Whiteside, Deputy Headteacher, said, "the more students read, and the more challenging their reading is, the more successful they will become in all subject areas and ultimately in life." He felt, "this has been well researched over the years."