At this morning’s assembly, Milena and Charli (both SIV) spoke about the importance of reading and the Senior School’s journey to gain Reading Schools Core accreditation.
Here is what they said:
Today, we want to talk to you about an activity. This activity holds the power to strengthen your mind and grow your imagination – reading. The Senior School has started working towards the Reading Schools Core award, and everyone sat here today will play a huge part in achieving this.
The Reading Schools Core award is an accreditation programme for schools that are committed to building a culture of reading for their learners and communities. This helps with building empathy and understanding, which are essential to an inclusive school environment.
In a world where technology dominates and attention spans are growing shorter, reading has become overlooked yet let us share with you why reading is not just beneficial, but essential in our day-to-day lives.
First and foremost, reading nurtures the mind. When we read, we exercise our brains in ways that strengthen our memory, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It’s like a workout for the mind, keeping it sharp and agile, which is why some people tend to avoid it, but you shouldn’t.
A study at the University of Sussex found that reading for just 6 minutes a day can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. That same study showed that reading was better at reducing stress than listening to music, drinking a cup of tea, going for a walk or playing video games, so why not start today. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, poetry, whatever you prefer, just 6 minutes of your day dedicated to that book will greatly improve your overall wellbeing.
And reading doesn’t have boring – it’s all about finding the right book or topic that sparks your curiosity. Whether it’s a thriller, heartwarming romance or a deep dive into a subject you’re passionate about, there’s something for everyone. Reading is a personal experience, and when you find something that captures your interest, it stops feeling like a chore and becomes a rewarding escape from the stress of school or work.
For example, one of Milena’s favourite books is called “Lonely Castle in the Mirror”, which is a compelling fantasy about isolated teenagers who discover a mysterious castle where they can escape their struggles and form meaningful relationships. For Charli, she enjoyed “Dune”, a science-fiction novel set on a desert planet, which explores environmental awareness, philosophy and survival. This shows there’s something for everyone, no matter your preferences.
So, if you’re wondering, how can you start reading, Reading Club runs every Wednesday lunchtime from 1:15pm to 1:45pm for SI and SII in English 2. Here we read short stories, discuss and share ideas with the group. This is an informal safe space where you can go at your preferred pace or even just sit back and listen. There are plentiful opportunities to suggest short stories or passages that interest you to read in future sessions.
Reading offers a much-needed escape in today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world. Whether it’s through fiction, poetry, or a gripping non-fiction, books provide a place where we can slow down, unwind, and recharge. The simple act of reading is a healthy way to manage stress and improve mental well-being, giving us a moment to pause and reconnect with ourselves. So when your English teacher tells you to read more books, start now and make it a habit.
