Celebrating Reading Achievements

We are very keen to encourage reading and the joy of books at Saint Paul’s Catholic High School.

We have some extremely avid readers including Grace and Alexander who were recently presented with a book by the English Department in recognition of their dedication to reading. Both students received a prize for taking part in the Accelerated reader programme and reading more than a million words.

Grace has read 3,260,754 words. She has read more than 50 books – she has read the Harry Potter series, quite a few of David Walliam’s and Roald Dahl’s books, but her favourite is definitely Jacqueline Wilson.

Alex has read 1,243,486 words. He has read “only” 12 books, but he aims at big reads – his reading list includes all the Harry Potter books and all Lord of the Rings books. At the moment he is reading the new Phillip Pullman book – “The Book of Dust”, which is quite a lengthy read so we are sure he’ll top 2,000,000 words soon.

“We like to remind students and staff of all ages to make reading a priority activity in their lives,” explained Mrs Savova, Librarian. “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. We want to help students to develop a life-long love of reading. 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 Mrs Maria Evans, Head of English. “We know that students who read, gain a greater understanding of the world in which they live, they learn to appreciate how writers use language for effect and they extend their repertoire of vocabulary.”

Mr Alex Hren, Head Teacher, 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. This has been well researched over the years.”