‘Drop Everything And Read’ sessions improve reading and literacy

Throughout the academic year, the whole of our Year 7 and 8 have timetabled sessions called ‘DEAR Time’, which stands for ‘Drop Everything And Read’.

These sessions are designed to promote and encourage reading for all abilities and play a key part in our communications agenda in the school, which includes a high focus on literacy skills. There is evidence that when students read for pleasure this will improve educational outcomes and personal wellbeing.

During the session this week, students read a text as a class that lasted 10 to 15 minutes and after reading the text, then discussed what they had read to highlight key vocabulary and share their thoughts on the issues raised in the material.

Topics change throughout the academic year and may include historical perspectives, careers, current reports or fiction, but ultimately will be interesting and enriching.