A Great Way to Start A Day!

Last month saw the launch of the Bushey Meads School paired reading scheme. 25 carefully selected year 10 and 12 reading mentors underwent training and were paired with 25 lucky students from year 8 and 9. Each pair read once a week together during CDC time. What a relaxing way to start the day! Although we have started small, it is our hope that all year 8 and 9 students will get time with a reading mentor at some point over the coming year.

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” – Margaret Fuller  

It’s been great hearing from our mentors about the impact this scheme is already beginning to have. Our Deputy head girl, Eleanor Vroome, also spoke eloquently at a full governors’ meeting this week, sharing her experience as a reading mentor:

“The reading buddy scheme is very exciting for me as I feel it really gives an opportunity for the students of the lower school to read in a more informal and comfortable environment, whilst forming a bond with an older member of the school, and improving their confidence and fluency in reading! The ability to read with ease enhances your memory and concentration skills, as well as stimulating your imagination, all of which are key building blocks to further your education and knowledge.” 

I’m not sure any teacher could have put it better!

Reading underpins almost everything we do and it our sincere wish that all students at Bushey Meads have the skills and confidence to go forward and succeed.

I think Roald Dahl said it best for me:

“I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book not daunted. Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.”