Extensive research has shown that reading provides a host of benefits: It improves skills of writing and comprehension, general knowledge, empathy, and encourages a better understanding of other cultures. Being a reader gives pupils important cultural capital, and being a good reader makes them good learners. Most importantly, reading is an enriching and enjoyable past-time.

At WHSB we aim to instil a love of reading in pupils as soon as they enter the School; to this end, pupils are provided with a reading list and are automatically included in the Lifelong Readers programme.

The reading list can be found below and features challenging and enjoyable texts suitable for Year 7 pupils. The books have been separated into fiction and non-fiction categories and, while it is not expected for pupils to read every book on the list, it is advised that they read at least a couple in their first year.

During the academic year, all pupils are loaned three books through the Lifelong Readers programme. The books chosen are from the literary canon and have been picked for their variety of themes and topics. These challenging texts will give pupils insight into other cultures and will develop understanding of the protected characteristics including age, disability, race, and religion. The first book will be handed out by form tutors early in the Autumn term.

The Lifelong Readers programme for Year 7 comprises the following books:

Autumn Term – Northern Lights

Spring Term – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

Summer Term – I am Malala (Teen edition)

As with all literary works, the books chosen for the Lifelong Readers programme include language and topics that require maturity. Writers deliberately include themes and language which illustrate the society they write about. We have chosen to let the words and themes remain as they originally appeared, without any amendments. We believe that by reading, exploring, and debating these themes we can ensure that our pupils develop both spiritually and morally.

After their first two weeks at WHSB, pupils will be expected to always have a reading book with them at School. Failure to show one when required will result in sanctions. Once pupils have finished their Lifelong Readers book, they will be encouraged to choose another, perhaps making use of the School Library or reading list to assist them in choosing.

A parental information booklet, featuring information and discussion prompts for each of the books, is available on the School Website, and a hard copy will be provided in the first week of term.

 

Mr Derrick
Associate Assistant Head with Responsibility for Literacy

Miss Bailey
Head of English