Our Year 10 reading leaders have completed their training and have started supporting their Year 7 buddies. They work with them in a mentoring capacity twice a week, supporting their decoding and comprehension skills and recommending books to them. These sessions help younger students to gain confidence and have a more positive attitude towards
reading. For the Year 10 students, this is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills and communication skills. Many of our Year 10 students were supported by older students when they were in Year 7 and see the reading buddies scheme as a great way to build on the best traditions they have inherited.
Alongside this, another group of dedicated Year 10 students visit our feeder primary school, St. Urban’s, once a week during form time to read with a group of Reception children. Their commitment reflects the values of service, kindness, and the Common Good, a key principle of Catholic Social Teaching which encourages us to work for the wellbeing of all. Their actions echo the words of Jesus: “Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14), reminding us of the importance of supporting and nurturing the youngest members of our community.