Our school library is well stocked with a range of fiction and non-fiction texts. All students in Year 7 have completed a library induction lesson with our librarian to ensure that they understand how to use the library and associated resources effectively. We actively encourage students to check out books regularly, whether this be from the school library or one of the excellent libraries in the city.

You can also find PDFs of recommended reads for Year 7-10 on this page. The BBC also has some good suggestions: BCC 100 Novels that Shaped Our World

Just because your child is now a secondary school pupil, doesn’t mean they no longer like to be read to. In fact, there is research to suggest the opposite.

How can I help my child become a better reader?

As with anything, performance improves with practice. Encourage your child to read at home – this can be independently; reading with someone or having someone read to them. Audiobooks are a great tool to use too. We appreciate that many students love reading at home but some will definitely benefit from some gentle persuasion!

Here are 5 top tips to encourage your child to read:

1. 1. Encourage your child to read and highlight the benefits of reading.
   2. reading choice: Give children lots of opportunities to read different things in their own time – it doesn’t just have to be books.
   3. Read together: This might be everyone reading the same book together, or reading different things at the same time.
   4. Visit the local library: Ask for recommendations and remember that libraries also offer brilliant online materials, including audiobooks and eBooks to borrow.
   5. Engage your child in reading in a way that suits them: You know your child best and you’ll know the best times for your child to read. If they have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) then short, creative activities may be the way to get them most interested. If English is an additional language, encourage reading in a child’s first language, as well as in English.

Book of the Month

We love reading at AHS and therefore, each month, our wonderful librarians will be recommending a ‘Book of the Month’ for Year 7, KS3 and KS4. We have copies of these in our libraries so students can pop along at break or lunch if they’d like to borrow one. They will also be available at the Merit Mart.

Book of the Month – September

Book of the Month – October

Wider reading recommendations:

• Year 7 Wider Reading and Recommended Fiction Reads
• Year 8 Wider Reading and Recommended Fiction Reads
• Year 9 Wider Reading and Recommended Fiction Reads
• Year 10 Wider Reading