Setting the Reading World Ablaze!
This year has seen an extraordinary commitment to reading across Key Stage 3, with pupils embracing Sparx Reader and developing positive reading habits that will benefit them for years to come While there have been countless individual successes, Year 7 deserve special recognition for the exceptional enthusiasm they have shown, consistently leading the way and setting a fantastic example across the school.
Leading the entire school is Umar Mohamed Fouzer (Year 7), who has achieved an incredible 200,000 Sparx Reader Points (SRP) This equates to over 333 hours of reading, which amounts to almost two full weeks spent completely immersed in books Umar's dedication, consistency and love of reading has been truly outstanding.
Congratulations also go to Daniel Mathias (Year 8) and Shenan Liyanage Don (Year 9), who have each reached an impressive 35,000 SRP, the equivalent of more than 58 hours of reading
These achievements represent far more than impressive statistics Every page read has helped to strengthen vocabulary, improve comprehension, and broaden knowledge. We are incredibly proud of all three pupils, and especially our remarkable Year 7 cohort, whose enthusiasm has helped make this one of our most successful years for reading yet.
Reading milestones
Our pupils have enjoyed another fantastic year of reading, with 5,321 books borrowed from the school library, including e-books and audiobooks.
Through Sparx Reader, pupils have completed an incredible 8,994 hours of reading, reading 4,552 books and a staggering 80,319,216 words!
These achievements showcase our pupils’ commitment to reading and the growing culture of literacy across our school.
Read to the Beat: Turn the Page and Find Your Rhythm This Summer!
We are inviting pupils to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat. Visit your local library, sign up for free and discover exciting stories, events, and rewards throughout the summer holidays. Whether you love adventure, mystery, or fantasy, there is a book waiting to strike the right chord with you. Pick up a book, find your rhythm, and let your imagination take centre stage. For more information, visit your local Newcastle Library, and start your summer reading journey.
Pupil Book Reviews
‘The Sleeping Stones’ by Beatrice Wallbanks
Reviwed by: Zeeshan Ahmed, 7ab/En1a
"This was such an amazing book and I have really enjoyed reading it This book brought me laughter, tears and such joy I would rate this book a 110% "
‘Punch’ by Barbara Henderson
Reviewed by: Leo Innes, 8ab/En1
"I liked this book because it had a great overall story line. I also really enjoyed the fact that it used Scottish language/dialect throughout the book making it more enjoyable from the view of someone who is Scottish "
What is your favourite book and why?
‘100 years of Solitude’ by Gabriel Garcia Marquez It is my favourite as it introduced me to South America, made me want to travel there and 25 years later, Peru has become my second home.
When and where do you most like to read?
My favourite place to read is in my hammock in my garden or when travelling on long journeys.
Why do you enjoy reading?
I love reading because it exposes you to new worlds, vocabulary and languages
What are you currently reading?
‘Fly, Wild Swans’ by Jung Chang
“Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success.”
Alison David, Egmont Publishing
Coterie of Liars by Kate Weston
Northern Soul by Phil Earle
Angel of Grasmere by Tom Palmer
House of Horrors by Dan Smith
Bite Risk by S.J. Willis
Lies we Sing to the Sea By Sarah Underwood
The Great Godden By Meg Rosoff
Jackdaw Summer by David Almond
