Update - 23rd March

Dear Parents and Carers,

As you may know, this year has been recognised as the National Year of Reading, and we are continuing to encourage all students to develop positive reading habits both in and out of school. Can we transform all of our students into avid readers overnight? Of course not. Attitudes towards reading take time to shift- and this is why we need to continue to be a united front, as we know that a child's ability to read will shape their life. 

Does this mean all students need to enjoy reading fiction in silence? No - and we know dwindling numbers of young people are choosing this pastime to unwind in the evenings but are instead on devices until the late hours. But reading doesn't always need to be a solitary and quiet activity. Small, enjoyable activities can make a big difference.

Here are a few simple ways you can help make reading part of your child’s upcoming Easter break:

Playing board games that involve reading instructions or word-based challenges

  • Watching a film in a different language using subtitles
  • Watching a film adaptation and then exploring parts of the book together (reading to your child/vice versa)
  • Listening to a free audiobook chapter on YouTube (so many books have free samples on this platform)
  • Encouraging reading through magazines or comics
  • Listening to podcasts, which are excellent for developing listening and comprehension skills and can fit in with specific interests or hobbies 

Here at school, we have already taken several steps to promote reading. Students have been enjoying reading extracts during tutor time, attending live staff readings in the library, and participating in live author talks. Some of our accomplished readers are also writing book reviews to help guide their peers, and we are launching an exciting creative writing competition for Years 7–9, which English teachers will be introducing in lessons.

We hope that, with your support, we can continue to build a culture where reading is seen as enjoyable, accessible, and valuable for all students.

Thank you for your continued support.

We continue to celebrate the National Year of Reading here at Balshaw's!

Please select the following links to read more:

  • National Year of Reading - Former Students' Work. You can read more here
  • World Book Day - we are celebrating this fabulous day in a number of ways. You can read more here 
  • National Year of Reading - The Great Gatsby. You can read more here
  • National Year of Reading - Book Reviews. You can read about our book reviews here