Reading
At NHGS we value and encourage all students to develop a love of reading and we look to help students explore the world of books in a number of ways including:
- NHGS 99 - a list of 99 recommended reads
- Subject Reads - specific books for subject areas
- NHGS 99 International - a list of recommended reads from around the world
- Summer Reading Challenge - read 6 or more books from the NHGS list over the summer holidays
Reading is not just a good way to fill the time. It has important and far-reaching benefits which go beyond a love of a good book. When children and young people enjoy reading, they are more likely to create a habit and read more often which in turn will help to build vital reading skills and bring with it a wider range of benefits...
Reading for pleasure can help grow empathy
Enjoying books and discovering new perspectives within the pages of a story can be a great way to introduce children to a range of experiences and viewpoints. The more a child reads, the more likely they are to be exposed to new narratives which can help them develop empathy.
A love of reading can build a child’s confidence
In fact, our 2024 research showed that 26.0% of children and young people who read in their free time at least once a month said it helps them to be confident.
Reading for enjoyment can spark imagination...
...and provide escape as well as inspire creativity. Even fantasy can still speak truth to a child about their place in this world.
Reading can expand horizons
A book can provide children with a way to discover new worlds, meet new people and learn about the past. Whether that’s through non-fiction books and autobiographies, or books and magazines exploring historical events or figures.
Reading for pleasure can support your child’s learning
Our recent research also revealed that twice as many children and young people who enjoy reading in their free time have above average reading skills than children who don’t enjoy it (34.2% vs 15.7%) - reading skills which will support them in their school journeys and beyond.
Taken from the National Literacy Trust website (external link)