Teaching staff at Rydal Penrhos have arranged a series of reading clubs to boost academic development outside of pupils’ usual timetables.

Although pupils of all ages are embarking on an ever-increasing digital age, the importance of reading to academic development remains unaltered. This is something that is recognised by Rydal Penrhos’ outstanding teaching staff, who provide a balanced provision that incorporates the modern with the traditional with great success.

An emphasis on reading and pupil literacy helps develop higher levels of focus and concentration. It also forces the reader to sort things out in their own mind – including topics that might not be familiar to them.

Reading also helps pupils develop better critical and analytical skills, something that carries over even after they have put the book down. Enhanced reading also improves vocabulary and helps to strengthen memory retention skills, which is a powerful tool for pupils young and old.

The school’s Language, Literacy and Communications Faculty, led by Miss Fiona Earle, have organised a series of book and reading clubs for pupils to attend throughout the spring term. This new initiative began on Thursday 6 January in the Watkinson Library and has already received a significant amount of interest.