Published 31 August 2022
Children at Bonhill Primary School are celebrating after receiving The Scottish Book Trust's Reading Schools Award.
The award encourages reading for pleasure and was given after the school introduced a number of initiatives to promote this throughout the year. The school’s Reading Leadership Group was recognised as part of the award after developing a successful reading culture and building partnerships within the community.
Cosy reading areas were installed around the school to encourage pupils and staff to sit with a book, and a reading cabin was created in the school courtyard where children can read books from the school library. Pupils enjoyed attending the popular Starbooks Café throughout the year and many families attended events after school offering opportunities to read together and have pizza made in the school’s pizza oven. The school participated in World Book Day and created challenges for pupils to get involved.
In addition, individual classes set up initiatives to promote reading for pleasure including book speed dating, book review vlogs and staff and pupils wore ‘Ask me what I’m reading’ badges to spark conversations about reading.
Councillor Clare Steel, Convener of Educational Services, said: "This award recognises the commitment and hard work of our school staff to foster a love of reading among children. It was great to meet the pupils and hear how passionate they are about their reading, and see first-hand the enthusiasm from our teachers and support staff, who have been the driving force in ensuring the school receives this accreditation.”
Councillor Michelle McGinty, Vice Chair of Educational Services, said: “We are committed to tackling the literacy attainment gap and this award demonstrates the huge amount of work being done to build a successful reading culture within Bonhill Primary School. I would like to thank everyone involved in helping to develop our children and young people’s literacy skills and confidence. It was clear from speaking to the children they are thoroughly enjoying their reading and the positive impact on the pupils was a pleasure to see.”
