Pupils and staff at Carbrain Primary School in Cumbernauld are celebrating after achieving the prestigious Gold Reading Schools Award from the Scottish Book Trust.
The award recognises the school’s commitment to building a positive and engaging reading culture across the whole school community.
The Reading Schools programme supports schools to promote reading for enjoyment and lifelong learning, while helping pupils develop their literacy, creativity, confidence and wellbeing. Schools can work towards Core, Silver and Gold accreditation, with Gold recognising a sustained, whole-school commitment to reading.
At Carbrain Primary, reading is embedded in daily classroom practice and pupils are encouraged to explore a wide range of books and authors, explains Head Teacher Kirsty Lowe: “Promoting a love of reading has been a priority for many years because we know the positive impact it can have on children's confidence, wellbeing and achievement.
“This award reflects the enthusiasm of our learners, the commitment of our Reading Leadership Team led by Sarah Wanless, and the dedication of our staff in creating a strong reading culture across the school.
“We are also grateful to the families and partners who have supported and engaged with our journey. I am proud of what we have achieved together and, most importantly, of the lasting difference reading will continue to make to our learners' lives and future aspirations.”
At Carbrain classroom book nooks provide cosy spaces where children can enjoy books, while activities throughout the school year give pupils opportunities to share their love of reading.
World Book Day is one of the highlights of the school year, with Primary and Nursery learners taking part in assemblies, games, creative activities and character scavenger hunts. Pupils also dress up as their favourite book characters and can discover what their classmates are reading.
Pupils have also played an important part in developing the school’s reading culture.
Oprah said: “I like that we have classroom book nooks so that we have cosy spaces for reading at school. I really enjoy reading the ‘Dog Man’ and the ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ series. We have so many books in our school we are spoiled for choice.”
Aayan added: “I think being a Reading School is awesome! I think reading every day at school is cool, especially when I get to read my own book in class.
“World Book Day is always so much fun because we get to do character scavenger hunts around our school and we can dress up as our favourite book characters. It is nice to see what books other people are reading too.”
For Myla, visits to Cumbernauld Town Centre Library are a particular highlight.
She said: “I love everything about reading. I think ‘Little People, Big Dreams’ book series is super cool and interesting, and I can learn about real life people and what they have managed to achieve.
“My favourite thing about reading at Carbrain Primary School is when our classes are able to go on a trip up to Cumbernauld Town Centre Library and explore the hundreds of books they have there.”
Reading Schools Lead and Class Teacher Sarah Wanless said the Gold Award was the result of several years of work.
She said: “It is a real joy to see our pupils so enthusiastic about reading, eagerly discussing books and exploring new authors and series.
“Reading is an integral part of our curriculum and is embedded in daily classroom practice. However, in recent years, it has become something that our pupils genuinely enjoy and look forward to experiencing in a variety of ways.”