Book Clubs In Schools

Our Book Club programme provides a framework for children and young people to access and discuss books. Book Clubs in Schools promotes reading for pleasure and helps children and young people practise critical thinking, build interpersonal skills and access volunteering opportunities. We prioritise schools in disadvantaged areas with over 40% pupil premium (national average is 26.9%) . Since we started, over 17,000 pupils have participated in Book Clubs in Schools core programme from over 90 schools. Book Clubs provide a format that allows students to engage with books in a more informal way, where there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers and they are encouraged to bring their own knowledge and experiences to discussions. The younger pupils engage in reading for pleasure and develop social and communication skills such as confidence, resilience, creativity and critical thinking. They develop friendships with older pupils and gain role models that are positive and accessible. Alongside the skills the younger pupils develop, the older pupils learn how to lead a group discussion, become mentors and volunteer, possibly for the first time. Through the Book Clubs, pupils learn to Read at a higher level Foster analytical thinking Use evidence to support opinions Articulate and share ideas Develop emotional intelligence, empathy and creativity Interact and relate to peers from different age groups and diverse backgrounds Organise and manage their time Effectively lead and facilitate group discussion (Book Club leaders)