We’re launching something new this term that we’re really excited about – Reading Weeks – to help every student discover the joy of reading.
The timing’s great too. The government has recently announced that 2026 will be the National Year of Reading, so there’s a real focus on getting young people reading for pleasure across the UK.
Why we think it matters
Our Headteacher, Julia Polley, puts it pretty clearly: “Reading is EVERYTHING! Research shows that students who read regularly don’t just do better academically, they develop stronger thinking skills, greater empathy and even better long-term health.”
Reading helps in every subject, but it does so much more than that. It builds confidence, helps with understanding the world, and supports wellbeing. This term in assemblies, we’ve been talking to students about how reading improves concentration, emotional intelligence and thinking skills.
What we’re already doing
Students in Years 7-10 already have reading time every Monday with their Academic Mentors. These are really relaxed sessions – no tests, no pressure – where the children can read whatever they like and chat about what they’re enjoying. Many mentors have worked with the same students for two years now, so they know them well and can suggest things they might like.
For students who find reading a bit tricky, mentors often recommend magazines, short articles or books about their hobbies and interests. Whatever gets them reading and engaged.
So what are Reading Weeks?
Reading Weeks will build on those Monday sessions. Once every half term, students will read for an hour each day, try some fun activities and take part in friendly competitions between forms. The first one kicks off on 24 November.
Deputy Head Charles Barnett, who’s running the project, said, “We asked students what would make reading more enjoyable for them, and their ideas have really helped shape what we’re doing. The aim is simple – help every child find something they actually want to read.”
Getting everyone involved
We want to give a huge thank you to Leyburn Co-op, which has donated over Β£2,000 to buy books for our library. It’s brilliant timing and will make a real difference.
Our teachers are getting stuck in too. Soon, every classroom will have a shelf of each teacher’s favourite books – showing that reading isn’t just for English lessons.
This all ties into something we really believe: that language unlocks the world. When students read widely and build their vocabulary, they understand more and can express themselves better. That’s why homework across all subjects focuses on building vocabulary and understanding the key words students need.
What’s next
With 2026 being the National Year of Reading, we want to be ahead of the game – making books a central part of school life and helping every student find stories and ideas they care about.
If you have any books in good condition that you’d like to donate to our library, we’d love to hear from you. Just email admin@wensleydaleschool.net
Thank you for your support!
