Skip to content

Well read pupils scoop national prize

Share
Be the first to share!
By Fiona Reid
Annan and Eskdale
Well read pupils scoop national prize

A CLASS of bookworms from Annan have been named winners in the First Minister’s Reading Challenge 2020-21.

Primary 4A at Newington Primary scooped one of five national Pupil Reading Journey awards given out this year.

They had submitted an entry detailing all of their reading throughout the year, what they’ve done in school and at home, and what they’ve enjoyed the most. They even managed to create some great links with their local community during lockdown.

Headteacher Irvine Torbett is delighted and praised the pupils, saying: “They have been on a reading journey during a very different school year. They were in an ever-changing situation but they kept reading.

“For many of the children it has shown them how much pleasure they can get from reading and also how they can use reading as a way to make them feel good.”

Now in its fifth year, the First Minister’s Reading Challenge is run by Scottish Book Trust and recognises the efforts of schools and pupils to support reading for enjoyment and create a reading culture in their school, home or community.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I have been so impressed with all the innovative work schools and communities have been doing this year, rising to the challenge of doing this during these extraordinary times, and doing so with great ingenuity.”

Dumfriesshire MSP Oliver Mundell also congratulated the Newington class and said: “The award reflects great credit on the young people, their teacher and everyone else involved at the school and at home.”