The winners of the First Minister’s Reading Challenge 2018-19 have been announced at an event in Glasgow. Nineteen schools, one library and one book club were honoured at the celebration ceremony, where prizes were awarded by Ross MacKenzie, author of The Elsewhere Emporium (Floris). Continue reading Three Edinburgh pupils win National Reading Awards
Forthview Primary School parents proudly unveiled their latest story ‘Bear with Me’ at a launch at the City Chambers on Wednesday. Continue reading Bear with Me: Forthview parents produce fabulous new book
Free events across Edinburgh for Bookbug Week 2019
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, invites families to join Bookbug’s Big Picnic from 13 – 19 May. Continue reading Join Bookbug’s Big Picnic!
Three Bookworms sessions at Blackhall Library in May
Friday 8th February from 3 – 4pm
Multi-award winning writers and household names Irvine Welsh, Sally Magnusson and Jackie Kay feature alongside emerging talents Mick Kitson and Christina Neuwirth in the shortlists for the 2018 Saltire Literary awards, unveiled last night. Continue reading Saltire Literary Awards shortlists announced
Book Week Scotland 2018 runs from 19 November to 25 November
#BookWeekScotland
Working with a wide range of partners, Scottish Book Trust – the national charity changing lives through reading and writing – will deliver events and activities across the country during Book Week Scotland 2018, which runs from 19 November to 25 November, linked to this year’s theme of Rebel. Continue reading Rebel! Book Week Scotland local events
The Scottish public is being invited to vote for the most inspiring winner of the Saltire First Book Award, party of the Saltire Literary Awards as the Saltire Society celebrates thirty years since the First Book Award category was first created in 1988. Continue reading Public vote to choose ‘most inspiring writer’ to win Saltire First Book award
Challenge expands to include secondary schools
The First Minister’s Reading Challenge is now open to all pupils across primary and secondary schools in Scotland.
Secondary schools, libraries and community groups can now register to take part in the challenge which has been running in primary schools since 2016 and is delivered by Scottish Book Trust.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon launched the third year of the challenge at Renfrew High School, one of the secondary schools that took part in a pilot last year.
She said: “I set up the First Minister’s Reading Challenge to instil a love of reading from an early age. Reading not only opens up a whole new world of adventure, but also helps develop and improve children’s literacy.
“The evaluation of the programme showed it has been well received by pupils, schools and parents in primary schools. It is important we build on that enthusiasm and encourage young people to continue reading as they progress through their education into secondary school.
“Registration for this year’s challenge is now open and I’m looking forward to seeing pupils from P1 to S6 getting involved.”
Headteacher of Renfrew High School Billy Burke said: “We were delighted to participate in the secondary pilot of the First Minister’s Reading Challenge and I have been hugely impressed by how our young people have embraced the opportunity.
“Particularly through the outstanding work of our school library with a variety of external partners, we have developed a vibrant culture of creativity and reading for pleasure throughout the school.
“Literacy unlocks the wider curriculum, and it is fantastic to see our pupils enjoying, embracing and leading in this area of their learning.”
Edinburgh Northern & Laith MSP Ben Macpherson has welcomed the announcement. He said: “The First Minister’s Reading Challenge is a great opportunity to get more children and young people excited about reading.
“With the increasing use of smartphones and computers, it is more important than ever that we promote reading and its power to accelerate learning and boost attainment.
“Following the Scottish Government’s National Strategy for School Libraries announced last week, the Reading Challenge is a great chance for schools and other groups to join a national reading movement.
“I encourage all schools, libraries and reading groups in the constituency to get involved.”
Registration for the First Minister’s Reading challenge is now open
The First Minister’s Reading Challenge is delivered through Scottish Book Trust, funded by the Scottish Government.
995 schools registered for the challenge last year with 235,000 children taking part.
The evaluation of the First Minister’s Reading Challenge is available online.
Pupils shape strategy to help improve literacy and boost attainment
Hundreds of young people have informed the development of a new joint strategy to ensure every child in Scotland will have access to a dynamic school library.
The national strategy for school libraries is the first of its kind in the UK. The strategy includes 20 action points to support the improvement of literacy and numeracy, boost attainment across the curriculum, and enable opportunities for family learning.
The strategy will ensure school library services:
Pupils shared experiences of how their school librarian had built their confidence in reading and highlighted how the school library supports their wellbeing, a key theme in the strategy:
“I found people like me at the library” – S1, Inverclyde Academy
“The library is my second home” – S5, Inverclyde Academy
“Coming to the library is my favourite part of school” – P6, Aviemore Primary
“If you’re in the library, you can clear your mind by reading a book” – P6, Aviemore Primary
A specialist group will now be formed from key stakeholders to oversee the implementation of the strategy’s aims and report on progress.
Speaking ahead of the publication on International Literacy Day, Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, said: “School libraries have a vital part to play, throughout the learner journey from 3-18. They support literacy, numeracy, and health and wellbeing, improving attainment across the Curriculum.
“This strategy seeks to make libraries the vibrant hub and epicentre of our schools, promoting an appreciation of literature, an understanding of information literacy and a place of contact, friendship, dialogue and reassurance.
“I am pleased to endorse this strategy and look forward to working with stakeholders, headteachers and library staff to implement it over the next five years.”
Councillor Stephen McCabe, COSLA Children and Young People spokesperson said: “We are pleased that the National School Library Strategy recognises the many practical and innovative ways in which local authorities deliver library services to children and young people.
“The strategy will be a valuable blueprint for all of those involved in developing and delivering school library services to ensure all children and young people get the best from their education.”
