The Kingshill Reads programme is a school-wide initiative designed to encourage reading for pleasure in students. The programme includes:

• Book of the Term: Each term, a different book is selected as the “Book of the Term”. This book is chosen based on its suitability for a wide range of students. Past books include:

  • "Mortal Engines" by Philip Reeve
  • "The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Danger and Drama" by J. T. Williams
  • "Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun" by Tola Okogwu
  • "Jelly" by Jo Cotterill

• Author Visits: Kingshill School has hosted several author visits, including visits from Tola Okogwu and Jo Cotterill. Authors present their books and discuss their journey as writers. They also take part in Q&A sessions with students.

• New Chapters: Twice a week, students participate in the New Chapters programme with their tutors. During this time, they read and discuss a book chosen for their year group.

• Student Recommendations: Students have the opportunity to recommend books to their peers.

• Guest Recommendations: Each term, someone from outside the school community with a passion for children's literature recommends a book for students to enjoy.

• Subject Spotlight: Each term, a member of staff from a different department recommends a book that will enhance students' understanding of their subject.

• Library: The school library has been newly refurbished and is stocked with a wide variety of books, including new titles and books donated by charities such as Read for Good.

• Reading Challenges and Events: Kingshill School hosts a range of reading challenges and events throughout the year, including a Reading Challenge for Year 7 and a Readathon for Year 8 to raise money for the charity Read for Good. The school also participated in the Brilliant Bookshop Experience, where students in Years 7-9 received a free £10 book token to spend in a pop-up bookshop in the school library.

• Kingshill Reads Newsletter: Kingshill School publishes a termly newsletter called “Kingshill Reads” which features reading recommendations from staff and students, as shown below.  

The Kingshill Reads programme is a valuable resource for students and helps to foster a love of reading in the school community.

New Chapters

The New Chapters programme is an integral part of Kingshill School's dedication to nurturing a love of reading among its students. It's designed to provide a shared reading experience for each year group, creating a platform for discussion and exploration of literature in a supportive environment.

Here's how New Chapters works:

• Dedicated Reading Time: Twice a week, students set aside time with their tutors to engage in the New Chapters programme. This consistency ensures that reading becomes a regular part of their school routine.
• Curated Book Selections: Each year group is assigned a specific book carefully chosen for its age-appropriateness and appeal. This ensures that students encounter texts that are engaging and relevant to their stage of development.
• Shared Reading Experience: The programme fosters a sense of community by having the entire year group read the same book simultaneously. This provides a common ground for discussion and allows students to connect with their peers over shared literary experiences.
• Facilitated Discussions: Tutors guide students through the book, prompting discussions and deeper exploration of the text. This helps students develop their critical thinking skills, improve their reading comprehension, and form their own interpretations of the story.

Examples of New Chapters Books:

• Year 7: "Talking to Alaska" by Anna Woltz, a heartwarming story about friendship, bullying, and understanding others.
• Year 8: "The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne" by Jonathan Stroud, an action-packed adventure featuring an outlaw and a mysterious boy on the run.
• Year 9: "Cinderella is Dead" by Kalynn Bayron, a reimagining of the classic fairy tale set in a dystopian world where girls are forced to compete for marriage.
• Year 10: "A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars" by Yaba Badoe, a captivating story that combines child exploitation, ghosts, and circus life in a unique adventure.

The benefits of the New Chapters Programme:

• Promotes Reading for Pleasure: By providing dedicated time and engaging texts, New Chapters encourages students to see reading as an enjoyable activity rather than a chore.
• Develops Literacy Skills: Group discussions and tutor guidance help students enhance their comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking abilities.
• Fosters a Sense of Community: Sharing a book with peers creates a sense of belonging and encourages discussions about themes and characters.
• Expands Horizons: New Chapters introduces students to a diverse range of authors, genres, and perspectives, broadening their understanding of the world.