While national surveys paint a concerning picture of declining reading engagement among young people, Garstang Community Academy's recent internal literacy survey (conducted with Years 7-9) reveals a vibrant reading culture that significantly bucks this trend.
Nationally, only one in three children report enjoying reading, and just one in five read daily. However, at Garstang Community Academy, an impressive 80% of students enjoy reading, and 43.52% read daily – more than double the national average! Furthermore, a remarkable 75% of students at the academy consider themselves good readers.
This success can be attributed to several key initiatives embedded within the school:
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Form Time Reading Sessions: Consistent reading sessions with all staff demonstrating the value of literature.
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Dedicated Library Lessons: Regular library access and lessons to spark a love of books and authors.
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In-Class Vocabulary Sessions: Focused vocabulary development to boost comprehension and confidence.
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Celebratory Events: Engaging events like World Book Day, including popular reading sessions with the school therapy dog, making literacy fun and interactive.
Garstang Community Academy's commitment to fostering a love of reading through these dedicated efforts is clearly paying off, creating a supportive and engaging environment where students are not only reading more but also enjoying it. This data underscores the positive impact of prioritizing literacy within the school community.
Lancashire Evening Post
