Reading

At Bellerive, we are very clear about the importance of reading. By encouraging students to read both for pleasure and to improve their subject knowledge, we wish to foster a life-long love of reading. We have recently refurbished our library and a number of reading initiatives are taking place including ‘Drop Everything and Read’ (DEAR) and pupil-led reading groups.

Ms Gillen, our librarian, is working with students and staff across the school to help them develop a shared love of reading. Please see below for her latest update:

Spring 2019 Reading Round Up

As part of this year’s World Book Day celebrations in March we welcomed award-winning author Sarah Mussi into school to inspire students to get reading and learn more about the craft of writing stories. The day kicked off with some thought-provoking talks for Years 7-10, followed by book-signings. Then in the afternoon Sarah led two workshops for selected students from Years 9 and 10 who had the chance to develop their own story ideas using one of Sarah’s favourite planning techniques. They had great fun acting out story-lines and experimenting with different ideas for the direction of their stories.

The celebrations continued on World Book Day itself when we saw our Key Stage 3 students and staff donning their favourite book character costumes.

We also set-up a pop-up bookshop in the library where students could use their World Book Day vouchers to choose from a selection of free specially released titles or receive £1.00 off a book of their choice. Other activities included a Book Bonaza Quiz in form time, a book character matching pairs hunt and a whole school reading of the short story‘Button, button’ by Richard Matheson. We already can’t wait for next year!

We are pleased to announce that in January 2019 we were awarded the Liverpool Reading Quality Mark, achieving the Gold level, in recognition of our ongoing efforts to promote the joys of reading across our whole school community. This is a real honour and we as a school are delighted to have achieved this high standard.

This term we also celebrated Harry Potter Book Night (in the day) on 7th February. The library was transformed into Hogwarts – entered through Platform 9 3/4, with floating candles, house bunting and our very own Penseive! Students were invited (via Owl Post) to attend a session of wand decorating and house bookmark making at lunch time, followed by an after school sorting ceremony and house quiz – Ravenclaw were victorious! Much fun was had by all on this magical occasion and we hope to make it an annual tradition.

In March we will be welcoming multi-award winning author Sarah Mussi into school as part of our World Book Day celebrations and our resident book group, A New Chapter, will once again be shadowing the CILIP Carnegie Medal (https://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/). Students will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourites from the Excelsior Award for Graphic Novels and Manga (http://www.excelsioraward.co.uk/) shortlists. Watch this space for more details coming soon.

Winter Reading Round-up

As part of Mission Week (3^rd-7^th December) this year we launched our Short Story Competition. Students were asked to write up to 500 words inspired by this year’s theme – ‘In the beginning…’ – and their experiences over the week. There were some fabulous entries and it was hard for our judge, Mrs Henry (Chaplain), to pick the winners but the results are in:

First prize: Zayna A (Year 11)

Mrs Henry was impressed by how real Zayna’s story felt and how well it captured what this year’s Mission Week was all about with its concern for the environment and care for others.

Runners-up: Julianne C (Year 7), Cara M (Year 8), and Nawar N (Year 10)

Highly commended: Lauren (Year 9)

Congratulations and well done to all who entered! We hope to share the winning stories with you here in the new year.

We’ve also been getting into the Christmas spirit in the library with the return of our Booky Advent Calendar featuring readingrecommendations from students and staff, and our Christmas book tree – this time decorated with book inspired baubles made by students.