Literacy club '˜boosts students' confidence'

The club, which promotes reading and discussion, has been running since October at Steyning Grammar School on Tuesday and Friday mornings for year-seven and year-eight pupils.

The pupils are teamed up with an older student mentor and are able to discuss the literature with them.

Since its launch the club has steadily acquired new members and reaches up to 47 students on Friday mornings.

Volunteer mentor, Suelae Robinson, a year-12 international Baccalaureate student, said that it was nice to see the younger students enthusiastic about books.

She added: “They are all good readers so don’t need help reading, but it gives them more confidence in learning to talk about books and more enthusiastic about books generally, and they go out of their way to read.”

English teacher Katie Bird supports the club and runs a morning session.

She said: “I am delighted to be part of such a collaborative project which not only encourages reading but helps to develop an ongoing conversation about books and authors.

“The efforts the sixth-formers put into supporting their reading partners have been inspirational to watch; it is this enthusiasm which makes breakfast club such a positive and supportive environment to read, talk and eat in.”

The literacy leader Cheryse Rahaman, who set up the club, said: “The club has been really successful because of its relaxed atmosphere, its great fun and there is a real buzz about being part of the club.

“There definitely seems to be a real need for it.

“Students who may not necessarily like reading do come to the club and feel engaged and are having fun reading and discussing literature”

“We really welcome students who want to boost their self-confidence in terms of reading and writing.

“This club also helps build confidence in communicating with their peers and the older sixth form student mentors”

James Adeosun, a year-eight student at Steyning Grammar Schoo,l said: “I have been coming to the club for six weeks now, it’s a good idea because it encourages you to read and you get a full breakfast so you are ready to learn.”