Book challenge takes Trinity High by storm
Reading for enjoyment is key to success in all subjects
A hard hitting novel is boosting a culture of reading at Trinity High School, as well as a greater understanding of grief, religion, and mental health.
The book, called My Sister Sits On The Mantelpiece, has infiltrated every area of school life after it was handed out to all pupils in S1 to S3 and teachers.
Set in the aftermath of a terrorist attack in London, the novel was given to students in a bid to encourage them to read for enjoyment and in turn improve literacy amongst the most deprived students at the school.
But the impact of the hard hitting storyline – which sees a young boy struggle following the death of his sister in the attack – has been far reaching.
It has seen teachers across all subjects discuss the book with students and seen children visit a mosque and tackle controversial issues such as terrorism and extremism. Adele Simpson, head of English at Trinity High School, said: “The reading challenge came about because we understand literacy is really important for pupils.
“Research shows that reading for enjoyment is linked to success in English but also other subjects.
“It is also helpful in developing a sense of empathy, self esteem and awareness.
“The idea was one school, one book. We are all reading it, discussing it and the positive experiences associated with the book, we hope, will encourage reading for enjoyment and encourage pupils to find other books that they like.”
A highlight of the project so far was author Annabel Pitcher’s visit to the school.
She told students about the idea behind the novel, her process of writing the book and delivered two creative writing workshops.
Students have also visited the mosque in Rutherglen and have created their own cover for the book in the graphic design department.
And taking inspiration from Manchester’s One Love concert, pupils are creating their own rap to insert into the Black Eyed Peas song Where is the Love. And it is the buy-in from other departments that Ms Simpson believes is the key to the project’s success, stating that children who feel more confident in other subjects can discuss the book with role models in subjects such as maths and geography.
The fact that all young people are reading the book also means students can be inspired by their peers.
“It feels like the whole school has come together on this,” Ms Simpson added. “I feel because the staff and pupils have taken it on board it has been successful.
“It’s great to see the pupils working on it. I hope it gives them a positive feeling about reading and books in general.”
The reading challenge is part of the Attainment Challenge which provides additional funding to schools in areas with high levels of deprivation.
The money is used to fund projects which boost the literacy, numeracy and well being of children from deprived areas to ensure that they can perform as well as their counterparts in wealthier parts of the country.