To encourage its pupils to read for pleasure, Upton-by-Chester High School completed a very successful Readathon sponsored read last term. Pupils rose to the challenge, reading hundreds of books and raising a fantastic £622.04 for seriously ill children in two weeks. Their achievement also earned the school free books worth £120, provided by Readathon in partnership with Scholastic Book Clubs to boost school library stocks.

Readathon, a nationwide charity, uses the sponsorship money raised to provide brand new books for children in hospital up and down the UK, as well as supporting charities who help seriously ill children.

Mrs Johns, English teacher said, “I recommend Readathon to any teacher or librarian who wants to get their pupils reading for pleasure. Readathon creates a real buzz about books in the school.  I found children talking about books, sharing and swapping favourites and genuinely motivated to read. Parents became involved in what their children were reading and shared precious time together talking about books. Our pupils raised over £600 which Readathon uses to give books and storyteller visits to children in hospital.”

Readathon’s Founder, Brough Girling commented, “The wonderful thing about schools and young people is that even in today’s economic climate, they are still eager to raise money for those less fortunate than themselves.  To say thank you for their tremendous efforts, Readathon has teamed up with Scholastic Book Clubs to give Upton-by-Chester High School free books.  We hope that these books will in turn inspire even more pupils to get reading - for good.”