Year 9 Partnership Reading at St. Joseph’s

Although we have only just started the reading partnership at St Joseph’s, we are both so grateful for the opportunity we have been given. At 8 a.m. on Wednesday, a small group of Year 9 pupils meet at reception and then walk over to the school. We are then met by the children, in Years 2 to 6, who are so kind and such avid readers.

We sit with them as they read a book of their choice—anything from funny graphic novels to non-fiction—and guide them through pronouncing certain words that they might not understand or find tricky. What has stood out most is how much joy these sessions seem to bring both them and us. We’ve seen pupils persevere until they succeed, tell us about their exciting plans for the week, and share their favourite parts of their book.

For us in Year 9, we often take reading for granted, we might think of it as a chore. However, since starting this project, it has been an extremely eye-opening experience. We have learnt patience and how a few words of encouragement can be so powerful to a younger pupil. The children inspire us with their enthusiasm and their ability to become completely immersed in a book. When we leave, we are sent off with hugs and thanks. Even at 8:45 on a Wednesday morning, we feel so proud of ourselves because we know that we have been there for a young child who wants to express their love of reading.

By Arden M & Rafaella C