Pupils lift prize in First Minister’s challenge
A Stirling school won an award after impressing in the First Minister’s reading challenge.
Cowie Primary was named a national winner of the school reading journey prize at an event in Glasgow.
Nineteen schools, one library and one book club were honoured at the ceremony at which prizes were presented by Ross MacKenzie, author of The Elsewhere Emporium. Judges were impressed by how staff at Cowie Primary were developing a reading culture in the school through creating a new library there and ensuring every classroom has a space to encourage reading.
Older pupils have also set up a lunchtime ‘crafty characters club’ to help younger children with their reading.
Teachers have also set up a book club focusing on children’s literature, set up links with the village library and invited authors to the school.
Now in its third year, the challenge encourages children to read for pleasure and develop a life-long love of books.
Donna Bullivant, class teacher at Cowie Primary, said: “We have read, read and read even more by immersing ourselves in reading and authors to develop a reading culture and enjoyment for reading – it has been transformational. Participating in the reading challenge has inspired and motivated our learners and wider learning community to read widely for enjoyment and develop a love of reading.”
First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon said: “Over 1100 primary schools, secondary schools, libraries and community groups from every local authority in Scotland participated in the third year of the challenge.
“My warm congratulations to all those who have taken part - the submissions demonstrate that Scotland really is a country of readers, and showcase the hard work of the pupils, teachers and librarians who were involved.”
Convener of Stirling Council’s children and young people committee, Councillor Susan McGill said: “Having visited the school for the opening of their wonderful new library earlier this year, I’m well aware of the novel ways in which the school has developed a reading culture and how it has been embraced so enthusiastically by pupils.
“Reading has the power to transform lives, with huge benefits on educational attainment, and as a Council we will always encourage reading among our children and young people.”
I’m well aware of the novel ways in which the school has developed a reading culture