Pupils 'caught' reading as part of school's literacy focus

From setting up book clubs to asking pupils to act as reading mentors, schools are full of ideas about how to inspire young readers.

But now a Manchester secondary school has come up with an original campaign to promote a reading culture among its students.

Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe has launched a programme called Catch Me Reading.

One of the key initiatives of the campaign is that teachers visit classrooms to “catch” students reading. When they spot pupils engrossed in a book – before a class, in the corridor or even in the gym – they award small prizes.

Saint Paul’s has also launched an accelerated reading programme to improve student reading ages. It has introduced reading clubs for all age groups, formed a reading hub in the chapel, and created dedicated reading areas around the school where pupils can relax and read.