Reading for Pleasure

Research from the National Literacy Trust has shown that children and young people who like to read are three times more likely to have better mental health than those who don't.

Furthermore, evidence suggests that reading for pleasure leads to increased attainment. Clark and DeZoya (2011) found a significant positive relationship between enjoyment and attainment indicating that pupils who read more are also better readers.

At EA we are always finding new ways to encourage reading. 

We have our EA Reading Champions in Year 7 who are reading advocates. Once every half term the pupils go to Excelsior Primary and support KS1 pupils with reading.

A team of  Year 12 and Year 13 students are Reading Mentors and support phonics learning with  our KS3 pupils. All of our mentors are phonics trained and understand the importance of relationship building to help support and motivate younger pupils.

Our Reading Plus and Myon online reading programmes  are available during lunchtimes for all year groups, giving students the chance to read in a calm and quiet setting. 

We have a well-stocked library ‘The Peter Fair Library’ which offers a diverse and contemporary range of texts.  Pupils can access the library after school and at lunchtimes to share reading recommendations from peers  and to check out any books to read at home. 

We know that adults can set a positive example when they share their love of books and reading. Our staff share their own love of reading  with their,  ‘I am currently reading….’  posters and Heads of department have identified a ‘must-read’ for their subject. 

Reading for pleasure is also encouraged  through extra-curricular activities, competitions and rewards.  For example, students in Y7 and Y8 enjoy termly reading competitions about books  which the Academy shares. 

The English team promotes  reading across the academy, most notably through annual events  to celebrate World Book Day and other national reading events.