At our school, reading sits at the heart of learning, imagination and aspiration. This year, we are delighted to launch our whole-school Reading Challenge, running from the start of the Spring Term through to the end of the school year. As part of our home learning offer, the Reading Challenge is an optional enhancement that families can choose to take part in together at home.

The challenge has been carefully designed to encourage every child to aim high in their reading. Each phase has its own set of 12 thoughtfully chosen books, selected to broaden pupils’ reading experiences, introduce them to new authors and genres and inspire a genuine love of reading for pleasure. By encountering texts they might not naturally choose themselves, children are encouraged to be curious, adventurous and ambitious readers.

All Reading Challenge books are available to borrow from school and are organised by year group within classrooms. As each book is completed, children reflect on their reading by completing a short book review. This helps them to think deeply about what they have read, develop their opinions, and share recommendations with others — an important step in becoming confident, thoughtful readers.

To celebrate progress and motivate pupils to keep striving, children work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold awards as they complete more books. The rewards are:

• Bronze Award – after reading 3 books
• Silver Award – after reading 6 books, plus a Reading Challenge badge
• Gold Award – after reading 9 books, plus a token for our book vending machine

We also encourage families to take part by reading together at home and making use of local libraries, helping children to see reading as something to be enjoyed beyond the classroom. Salisbury Library have a list of our books and are even looking at ordering more copies in as they have had so many requests for them!

Through our Reading Challenge, we aim to nurture confident readers who are excited by books, open to new ideas, and proud of their achievements. By setting high expectations and supporting children every step of the way, we hope to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Please see below for the list of books and copies of the book reviews.