Last week the Library was packed out with Year 7 students attending the launch of our annual Big Purple Challenge – a reading challenge which aims to get students reading whilst gathering recognitions, house points and prizes throughout the year. Students got to meet our wonderful Librarian, the author Yasmin Rahman, and her wonderful assistant Paula Ferris, to explore the Library, play the recommended book list Pictionary game and complete various book-related challenges.

To complete the challenge, all students need to do is to read ten books this school year; six from our list of suggested reads below and four of their own choice. Audio books, e-books and physical books all count – as do our new and exciting range of ‘slim reads’ (shorter books that are more accessible to those with dyslexia, or who struggle to get through a whole book). Students can track their progress and collect recognitions with fortnightly Library visits with their English class. In the lead so far is Riley W in 7Keller, who has finished four books already this school year! Well done Riley!

Reading is THE most powerful tool for education and for self-improvement. Did you know that reading for 30 minutes a day exposes you to 1.8 million words per year, and that students who regularly read can be up to a year ahead of their peers in learning by the time they are 15?

Please do ask your Year 7 child about the Big Purple Challenge and encourage them to read regularly at home. Maybe you could even read some books at the same time and discuss them as you go?

Mrs McPartlin