Head of Prep, Miss Annabel Ramsey said: “It’s about inspiring a lifelong love of reading in our girls. We have a huge number of enthusiastic readers at THS Prep and the challenge is a fantastic way to do something they really enjoy as a team. Reading across the school is of a very high standard and we hope the challenge will stretch even the most avid of readers.”
The challenge was launched at the school’s annual Book Fair day which saw girls as young as four dressing up as their favourite literary animals. There was a dazzling array of ensembles on show many of which had been entirely designed and sewn by the girls.
THS textiles teacher, Gail Wieringa, who every year sends A Level students off to study at the UK’s top art colleges, said: “I’ve seen some amazing expertise today! There were some fabulous outfits so I’m really looking forward to teaching these girls at A Level.”
The day comes as the Centre for Longitudinal Studies has found that reading for pleasure has a four times greater impact on academic success than one parent having a degree.
Aware of the value reading adds to their development, students throughout the school are encouraged to challenge themselves with the books they read and share their experiences together. Many girls have significantly higher than average reading ages, some of which are double their actual age, and teachers regularly advise them on the titles which will stretch their reading ability.
Older girls also regularly take part in buddy reading sessions with younger pupils, in order to share their passion for literature and improve their literacy skills together.
