Last academic year, we launched our Reading Plus Champion initiative for the very first time.
Teachers from Reading Plus schools nationwide nominated students with a standout passion for reading for the role. From these nominations, eleven exclusive students were selected to participate in the exciting reading activities and writing tasks available to Champions.
Since then, they’ve achieved:
- Interviews with children’s authors: Rachel Faturoti, Simon Fox and Andy Ruffell. (Keep your eyes peeled for when these are posted!)
- An insightful series of Reading Plus Champion blogs.
- A range of thoughtful book and Reading Plus text reviews.
- Amazing celebrations of our Champions’ accomplishments across local press.
Throughout the year, any student who finished the entire Reading Plus programme was invited to join our Champion ranks, and we ended the year with an impressive 18 Champions. A huge congratulations to every single one of our Champions for their dedication to Reading Plus – and for sharing their love of reading with us, inspiring their peers.
A round of applause to our 2023/24 Champions:
- Charlotte Readymarcher, Ribbon Academy.
- Jack Nesbitt, Ribbon Academy.
- Emily-Grace Bilton, Malvin’s Close Academy.
- Gabriella Akanni, Plains Farm Academy.
- Reem Mourched, Winton Primary School.
- Luna Garry, St Paul’s Catholic Primary School.
- Lewis Theaker & Harry Scarf, Wyndham Spencer Academy.
- Lacie Toward, Dee Point Primary School.
- Nathaniel Iremiran, St Fidelis Catholic Primary School.
- Emily Short, Dubmire Primary Academy.
- Michael Saville, Ben Humphreys, & Archie Wilkinson, Silver Springs Academy.
- Evan Odunlami, Allerton Grange School.
- Aiyah Thahir & Dewan Danial, Old Ford Primary Academy.
- Sade Lewis, Sunnyside Spencer Academy.
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“I’ve been hooked on Reading Plus since before I became a Reading Plus Champion, and let me tell you, I do really enjoy it! Before this, I already loved diving into stories, but Reading Plus took my reading game to a whole new level.”
Luna
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“As I moved through primary school, I could not find a book that I enjoyed. Through my use of Reading Plus, I found out that I loved stories about travelling, the world, and going on adventures. I was also inspired by texts about inspirational women from around the world. My favourite must be ‘Role Models for Girls and Women of Colour’. I could relate to this because I’m a British Caribbean girl and felt like these women could inspire other girls just like they did me.”
Sade
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“I liked the different selections and how they suit a reader’s pace so they can enjoy the story. I enjoyed the different types of books, such as non-fiction, fiction, sports, and our earth.”
Nathaniel
Moving into 2024/25
When the school year starts fresh, so does Reading Plus. This means that so must our Reading Plus Champions.
In November, teachers will be able to nominate students they think would be perfect for the role.
Out of the nominations, we will choose students to be Champions for the academic year. As always, any student who finishes the programme during the year is invited to join our Champion ranks.
That means one of your students could be chosen when we open nominations in November and/or rise to the role later in the year should they complete the programme.
There are no limits to the number of nominations teachers can make – so feel free to nominate all students you think would make a great Champion.
Nominate your student to become a Champion for the 2024/25 academic year!
Nominations open on the 6th November 2024.
For more information, visit the link below.