Bookworm pupils to help young readers

TWELVE Year 9 students from The Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College in Rugby have been selected to be Read to Lead mentors, as part of the school’s ongoing reading programme AVS 50.

The AVS 50 programme, launched in September 2016, enables and encourages students to read 50 books during their five years at the school.

As part of the programme, 12 talented readers, who will soon be in Key Stage 4, have been chosen to lead reading with younger students when the new school year begins in September.

The Read to Lead students have been selected because of their passion and love of reading. Impressively, one of the students selected has completed the fiveyear AVS 50 challenge in just one year.

Year 9 student Cyril Frempong, who is a Read to Lead mentor, said: “I am looking forward to working with younger students and helping them to move forward with their reading. I enjoy reading myself and want to share this experience with others.”

English teacher Carolyn Davies said: “We have chosen 12 readers from Year 9 to drive forward the next stage of our whole school reading challenge – AVS 50.

“In September, these 12 talented students will be leading a book discussion group with our new Year 7 students, inspiring them to widen their reading choices and develop a deeper understanding of the texts.”

Alison Davies, head teacher, said: “As a school we are committed to boosting literacy and encouraging all students to read for pleasure. Being able to read, understand, and interpret what has been written is a valuable life skill which unlocks all aspects of the curriculum. Throughout the year it has been wonderful to see students engage with the AVS 50 initiative and enjoy reading.”