Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford joined the First Minister on Monday morning in a visit to Riverside Primary School, the winner of the School and Community Partnership Reading Journey award for its participation in the challenge.
More young people will be able to get involved in the First Minister’s Reading Challenge as it expands to include secondary schools, libraries and community groups.
An evaluation of the programme’s first year found the response from schools and families has been overwhelmingly positive.
Bruce Crawford said:
“The work that Riverside Primary School has done in promoting the First Minster’s Reading challenge has been remarkable and I am delighted that the First Minister was able to join with staff and pupils to celebrate in that success.
“Headteacher Kay Robertson has a clear vision for pupils and I know that all teachers and staff at the school are committed to engaging young people and raising attainment – no matter their background.
“I look forward to learning more of the progress Riverside and other schools in the Stirling area, promoting the First Minister’s Reading Challenge.”
The First Minister said:
“Raising attainment is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s work and reading for pleasure from an early age can help develop children’s literacy. That is why I launched the First Minister’s Reading Challenge and I’m thrilled it has received such positive feedback from schools, teachers and pupils.
“Riverside Primary School is a fantastic example of how schools have tailored the Reading Challenge to suit their own needs, resulting in a positive reading culture in the school.
“I want to ensure the Reading Challenge continues to grow and have a positive impact on children so I have accepted all of the recommendations of the Reading Challenge Advisory Group which are based on the evaluation and look forward to another successful year of reading.”
Riverside Primary School Headteacher Kay Robertson said:
“We signed up to the Reading Challenge to further inspire our children in their love of reading and help us raise attainment and it’s been a tremendous success. We were delighted to win the Community Partnership award last year, recognising the dedication of our staff, children and members of the wider community.
“We’re really proud of our refurbished school library which is used by the children on a daily basis and is also available for members of the community to use to promote inter-generational reading activities.”
