READING NEWSLETTER
Reading Takes Centre Stage
Our second annual Reading Festival was a vibrant celebration, with the school transformed into a bustling literary landscape. Across the week, pupils journeyed through a rich programme of events, from thrilling escape rooms in the library to lively Book Bistro sessions serving up subject-specific reading delights. Like festivalgoers moving from stage to stage, pupils immersed themselves in stories, quizzes, and challenges, building excitement towards the headline act: World Book Day on Thursday 5th March.
Author Bali Rai’s inspiring presence and Dan Smith’s enthusiastic presentation brought star power to the occasion, while staff costumes added colour and creativity to the day. With a wholeweek scavenger hunt running alongside the festivities, there was something for every reader to discover. This year’s festival truly struck a chord, leaving a lasting buzz and a deeper love of reading across the school.
Reading is an adventure!
Set sail on a reading adventure! Take your book somewhere unexpected. Your story deserves a daring backdrop. Snap a photo of your literary expedition and send it to library@scchs.org.uk. Whether you are scaling peaks or exploring hidden corners, chart your journey for a chance to win a prize. Happy reading, explorers!
Pupil Book Reviews
‘All Fall Down,’ Sally Nicholls
By Daniel Mathias, Year 8
"This is story is about the journal of a young girl living in England during the 14th century, when the Black Death was rampant. The story really utilises a lot of emotions and shows the dark truth of what life was like in that very depressing era. "
What is your favourite book and why?
'The Buried Giant' by Kazuo Ishiguro It's a story that has an Arthurian element (and I love stories about myths) and it is also a story about what happens when you get old We follow the journey of two people as they search for their child It is a beautiful and poignant tale How societies treat older people is a key theme of Ishiguro's
When and where do you most like to read?
I like to read at home - on a quiet weekend afternoon, when I can just sit in a chair, with a cup of coffee beside me and read for a few hours
Why do you enjoy reading?
I really enjoy reading historical tales, tales based on myths and I have always enjoyed science fiction
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Albert Camus', 'The Stranger'. It has one of the best openings in literature.
“Reading holds the keys to so much of children’s education, so the decline in reading for pleasure among young people should sound alarm bells loud and clear
2025
Wolf Siren by Beth O’Brien
Ghostlines by Katya Balen
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness
Birdie by J. P. Rosei
Songs for Ghosts by Clara Kumagai
Stealing Happy By Brian Conaghan
Trauma Land By Josh Silver
Popcorn by Rob Harrell
Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary,
