At Highgate, one of our academic priorities is to promote reading for pleasure. There are no tests or assessments though ? this one?s ?just for fun?.
A recent report commissioned by the National Literacy Trust states: ?If reading is to become a lifelong habit, then people must see themselves as participants in a community that views reading as a significant and enjoyable activity.?
In a world where screens are becoming ever more present in our lives, and a myriad activities and social events compete for our attention, it is easy to forget the enjoyment of a good book and the restorative benefits of personal space to read. Even as working adults, reading is often an activity reserved for the sun loungers on holiday ? it can be hard to find the time.
At Highgate, we want to remind everyone in our community ? pupils, parents and staff ? that reading for pleasure is something that we value and should be enjoyed. The benefits to our wellbeing, academic and career outcomes are all widely reported on, but the reason we want to safeguard time for reading goes deeper.
To empathise with characters and to get lost in their story is inherently human. It has nothing to do with what disciplines you?re interested in, or what career you want to do. It is all about existing as human beings in the same society, developing empathy, broadening your perspective on the world, and finding shared points of reference.
We?re not purely focusing on fiction though ? the emphasis is on reading for ple...