Wellacre Reading Mentors

Posted at 11:33 am on 4th July, 2023

Reading Programme with Acre Hall Primary 

Year 9 and 10 students have joined a reading mentorship programme to spread their love of reading and support local primary schoolchildren, as well as Year 7 Wellacre students.

Students who have excelled in reading were invited to join the programme and began training earlier this year in reciprocal reading with Mrs Stirling; the approach encourages mentees to explore and find meaning in texts.

This term, the students have been visiting Acre Hall weekly to read with Year 3 and 4 pupils and support their literacy progress. 

Mrs Stirling, Assistant Leader of English and Whole Literacy Coordinator, said:

“Wellacre’s Reading Mentors have been fantastic in their roles.  They have volunteered their Friday lunchtimes to help spread the love of reading to others.  It's wonderful seeing the younger pupils excited about reading whilst our students have an excellent opportunity to enhance their own leadership skills.

“Some of the volunteers are ex-Acre Hall students and have loved going back to see their old teachers!”

Feedback from our Reading Mentors has been really positive.

Jake, Year 9, said: 

“I wanted to become a Reading Mentor to help other children to read well and to enjoy reading. We have been reading fiction and non-fiction books; the children get to pick what interests them.”

Ben, Year 9, adds;

“The scheme helps build the children's reading skills and its good for them all-round because reading helps with everything!”

Reading is a key strategic focus for all at Wellacre; the culture established at school is one where reading is valued and celebrated, and we encourage all students to read for pleasure.  The Reading Mentor programme is an opportunity for our students to share their reading passion and skills with others.

Published by Alex, Year 10 Work Experience