Library scheme encourages Tavistock College pupils to read

YOUNGSTERS at Tavistock College are being inspired to read more books thanks to a special programme sponsored by Fairway Furniture.

The school’s Accelerated Reader Programme is being sponsored by the family-run furniture company for the second year running.

The scheme encourages pupils to read books from the school library before taking part in an online quiz about what they have read. Each time a student achieves 100 per cent score they are put into an end of term prize draw. Prizes up for grabs include bundles of books and vouchers, all funded by Fairway Furniture.

Peter Harding, managing director of Fairway Furniture and former pupil of Tavistock College, said he was delighted to once again be sponsoring the scheme to encourage children to read.

He said: “As an employer I do not think the general standard of English is good enough. The number of letters I read for job applications that have poor grammar, spelling mistakes and incorrect structure is worrying.

“Certainly from my own perspective I was not a prolific reader. I only wish I had had something like this scheme to have encouraged me to read when I was at school. I think it is a great scheme for inspiring children to read and I’m delighted to support it.”

Sally Hubbard, assistant principal with responsibility for literacy at Tavistock College, said: “The standards of child literacy can influence their ability to access the curriculum and all national research indicates that a love of reading can raise academic achievement.

“The whole scheme is based on rewards and that is the motivation behind it. Fairway Furniture funds the bundles of books and vouchers we give out as prizes at our celebration evening and it is really great that we have their support.”