Working together to achieve more

The English Department at Wallace Hall Academy works very closely with the Library to encourage literacy. All S1 pupils spend one of their English periods each week in the Library working on the Silver Reading Award Scheme.

John Docherty, one of the English staff at Wallace Hall Academy, said: “There are few things more satisfying than seeing a child completely lost in a book. The Reading Award scheme encourages more and more children to lose themselves in literature.” English Teacher Hayley Whyte added: “The Reading Awards play a huge part in pupils’ first year at Wallace Hall Academy and encourage both reading and critical thinking. Many pupils achieve the Silver Award with some making it on to try the Gold but all feel a sense of pride in what they accomplish.”

In addition, as part of the P7 Induction Days, all P7 pupils are timetabled for one period in the Library where the Reading Award process is started at Bronze level. During this induction day period pupils are encouraged to take home a reading book to enjoy over the summer holidays and then complete two activities: write a short letter to the author of their chosen book and design a new front cover for the book. The completed worksheets are then handed in to Mrs Menzies after the summer holidays with Bronze certificates, prizes and house points awarded for the best entries. Almost half of our new S1 pupils handed in completed Bronze Awards, a fantastic response to what is a voluntary activity.

Mrs Jane McMillan, Learning Leader with responsibility for Literacy, said: “Our new S1 have been very keen to engage in this activity and many of them obviously enjoy reading. The standard of the entries this year has been very high and it was great to see the effort that the pupils had put in over the summer holidays.” Bryony Platt, one of our new S1 pupils, said: “The Reading Awards are good as completing the activities helps you understand the book that you are reading. Reading a book is a good thing as books can both entertain and educate us. I love getting lost in a good book; it is a great way to pass the time and further educate yourself.” Head Teacher Barry Graham, who presented the prizes for the Bronze Reading Awards, said: “Reading Awards are used to encourage all of the pupils to find books that they are interested in and to develop an enjoyment of reading for life. We feel it is so important that all the young people read as it can have a positive effect on their achievement and attainment outside of school.”

Overall winners were chosen as follows: Deri Ronan, 1.C1, Lucas Sale, 1.C2, Zara Eastwood, 1.N1, Lorna Rideout, 1.N2, Aaron Tyler, 1.S1 and Demi Brown, 1.S2. Drew Thow, 1.S1, was awarded the prize for the best entry completed on a computer. Pictured left are the S1 pupils with their Bronze certificates.