Reading Superstars

The Junior School has been recognised by children’s literacy charity, Read for Good, as a ‘Superstar School’ for its commitment to running Readathon for over a decade and promoting reading for pleasure.

Junior School Librarian and former South Hampstead pupil, Miss Volhard, has been running Readathon for 13 years, helping to raise nearly £57,000.  Pupils across the school are encouraged to take part in Readathon every year and can choose to read whatever they love during the event, asking friends and family to sponsor them. The money raised supports Read for Good’s unique hospital programme providing brand new books and regular storyteller visits to children in all of the UK’s major children’s hospital, including the nearby Royal Free Hospital.

Miss Volhard says: “Readathon creates a brilliant buzz across the school and is a great way to give reading a boost. It appeals to the competitive nature of our pupils, encouraging them to read even more than usual. We usually link the event with World Book Day and encourage the whole school to get involved. It’s this – along with support from parents – that helps the event to remain a success year after year. The charitable element allows our pupils to develop an increased awareness of those who are less fortunate than themselves – it’s incredibly rewarding for them knowing that their efforts are helping other children in hospital nearby and across the UK.”