19 June 2026: Earlier this year the PC worked with the JGHS Trust to raise funds for pre-owned book sets for S1- S2 English Reading Circles.

An initial library of 160 books were purchased by February 2026, covering 32 titles, each in sets of 5 pre-owned books.

Since the total donations received exceeded the amount required, a further 13 titles (in sets of 5 books each), including 8 Barrington Stoke dyslexia-friendly editions and 5 pupil-requested titles, will now be purchased.

The new titles have been chosen following recommendations from the school librarians.

Positive feedback from pupils and teachers

The first reading circles formed during the summer term and the feedback has been extremely positive, both from Ms Kirkwood, English Curriculum Lead, and the pupils.

Ms Kirkwood said:

The Reading Circle project has been a great success, and I want to thank the Parent Council for funding such a wide selection of books. Having access to so many titles meant that every pupil could fully participate, as the range reflected the very different reading abilities within the class.

Pupils were able to choose books that genuinely interested them, which helped them take ownership of their learning…The pupils were highly engaged throughout: they set their own group reading targets each week and encouraged one another to meet them.

They also created sets of open and closed questions for their novels, which helped develop their critical thinking through reciprocal reading and discussion.

Impressively, all but two pupils finished their chosen novel – a significant achievement given that not all of them are naturally confident or enthusiastic readers.

The final enrichment task, producing a book trailer, was a real highlight…One group has even decided to set up their own book group to continue reading together independently and has already bought the sequel to the book they read.

Amongst pupils, comments reflected their enjoyment of exploring plots and characters in a shared experience:

It was super fun to read and had a really captivating plot and relatable characters.

I liked how both the characters brought out the best in each other.

I liked being able to discuss the same book with everyone and being at the same stage.

Very many thanks again to all parents and carers who contributed to this fundraising effort, and to PC member Sam Ross for organising and ordering all the books.

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