The Big Read 2021

The Big Read 2021

The Big Read 2021 is about to begin! Here at The Birkenhead Park School, we know that reading is one of the most valuable skills a student can learn, and can be fun in the process too. Research also suggests that reading can have a dramatic impact on academic performance across all subjects. The Big Read initiative at the school enables students to learn new words, new ideas and much more.

Years 7 and 8 will have dedicated 30 minute reading sessions during form time, four times a week. All the books chosen have been carefully selected by our English department to be as educational, inspiring and ambitious as possible. This term’s books include ‘Cirque du Freak’, ‘Wonder’ and ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’. Students will be given knowledge organisers to use alongside chapter summaries whilst reading the books, allowing them to engage in class discussions and share their views.

Personalised bookmarks are ready and waiting for students to enjoy reading alongside their tutors. Students and staff will read and discuss the themes and issues that arise with a close look at new vocabulary along the way. Students will become ‘word rich’ by having a much wider range of vocabulary that they will be able to use in a variety of situations. The additional reading, decoding and vocabulary skills that students gain from The Big Read will also be transferable to many other subjects in school, as well as exams. These skills will help our students to achieve great all-round academic success.

Overall, The Big Read is a great way to start the day, continue to grow as happy, confident readers and develop our strong climate of reading!