Reading at BCS

At BCS, we believe that reading is the key to unlocking a world of imagination, knowledge, and adventure. Books offer endless opportunities for children to explore new ideas, travel to far-off lands, and connect with characters who inspire and challenge them. Reading is a gift that nurtures creativity, empathy, and curiosity and we have made it our mission to ensure that every pupil is encouraged to develop a love of reading. 

The BCS Reading Challenge aims to enthuse and engage pupils in reading a wide range of texts. In Pre-Prep, the Reading Challenge has been completely redesigned and a range of new texts added. At an assembly on Wednesday, the new BCS Reading Challenge was launched for Prep pupils; this can be found on the BCS Library Showbie Classroom. Pupils have been challenged to read different genres of books throughout the term and complete a Keynote to present what they have read. Those who complete the challenge each term will be entered into a raffle draw for a (yet to be revealed) prize and these pupils will be celebrated during our end of term celebration assembly. Please refer to the recommended reading lists in the Pupil Planner, which provides an ideal starting point for high-quality books for your child’s age range. 

We have dedicated time in both Pre-Prep and Prep for story time, which is key for fostering a love of books. In Pre-Prep, children will read a story as they have their milk and fruit. In Prep, morning form time will now be dedicated to sharing a story and each form was excited to vote for their form-time reader following the assembly. An excellent selection of stories have been chosen across the school and we are sure this will provide the pupils with an excellent start to the day – do ask your child what book their form is reading.  

This weekend, pupils in Pre-Prep and Prep have been challenged to get caught reading to celebrate books and the pleasure of reading them. Please take a photograph of your child reading somewhere. It might be in their favourite reading spot; it may be somewhere unusual, funny or surprising. 

On Monday 9 September, the Prep Library will also be open after-school (from 4.15-5.30) for parents and pupils to visit. Mr Brown will be there to offer recommendations and to talk about books and reading. We hope to see as many families there as possible to pick up a new book to start the term off with, and to enjoy a hot chocolate and a cookie. 

We are looking forward to working with you to encourage a love for books in each child, and help to build the foundation for lifelong learning and discovery. Today a reader, tomorrow a leader!