Reading challenge is a page turner for students

Bookworms, from left, Lewis Whittles, Samantha Duffy and Jaydan Hanson-Beech

Thousands of words are being absorbed by students as they take part in a national reading competition.

Whitworth Community High School is participating in the challenge Read For My School, aimed at children from Years 3 to 8 in England.

The nine week challenge, which finishes in March, encourages children to read online and printed books. A virtual library of more than 100 books by top children’s authors is available.

Year 8 student Lewis Whittles, 12, enjoys reading fantasy and science fiction novels and his favourite is JRR Tolkien’s Silmarillion, a prequel to the more famous Lord of the Rings trilogy.

He said: “I had seen the Lord of the Rings films but this book explained the story that led up to those books. I read online and have read four books so far for the challenge.”

Having read eight books apiece already Year 8 student Samantha Duffy, 12, and Year 7 student Jaydan Hanson-Beech, 11, are relishing the initiative.

Jaydan said: “When I started at Whitworth I didn’t read a lot and then my English homework was to read 15-30 minutes a day and it made me realise that books can help you learn new words as you get more into it.

“I now read half an hour before bed and it helps me to go to sleep and relax.”

Bookworm Samantha said: “I try to read every day after I have done my homework and in the morning at weekends.”