World Book Night gets students reading

Celebrating it’s 10^th Anniversary, World Book Night set up by the Reading Agency, is an annual celebration of books and reading, which brings people from all backgrounds together to inspire others to read more.

Copies of ‘Stories to Make You Smile, specially commissioned for World Book Night 2021 includes ten uplifting tales from best-selling author, was gifted to students to help to ignite their passion for the written word.

Lisa Westmorland, Curriculum Leader for Higher Education and who applied to join the initiative, said, “As a former librarian, I know from past involvement in local, regional and national reading campaigns that reading for pleasure can have a huge impact on people’s lives, from a child’s ability to be develop key early literacy skills, to the companionship and outlet for discussions about a range of life issues and emotions that face young people and adults. World Book Night’s mission is to encourage people who do not normally read for pleasure, or do not have access to books, or who do not consider themselves to be ‘readers’, to pick up a book and give it a go. And so, I applied for this World Book Night campaign book giveaway as the theme ‘Books to Make you Smile’ seemed really relevant to our students and particularly our Pre-Access students who are also studying for their GCSE English.

“The adults on our Pre-Access course are always so impressive; they have usually had to overcome barriers to learning or face their fears about returning to education and are taking the first step on their journey before progressing to the Access to HE course next year. This year’s cohort have shown tremendous resilience throughout an extremely tough year as not only have they had to cope with the normal anxiety of returning to education, studying GCSE English and maths (for the first time in some cases as some did not sit exams at school), and completing their Level 2 Certificate, they have also had to cope with the additional barriers presented by online learning during the lockdown."

Student and mum of three, Jemma Reynolds said; "I have really enjoyed the Pre-Access course as it has given me the confidence and skills I need to join the Access to Health course in September. I feel I have made a great choice by studying the course alongside my GCSE Maths and English, and without it, I don't think I would have gained the skills needed to progress. I now feel that I have a good foundation of knowledge to fulfil my dreams of going to university to train to be a midwife in the near future."

Amy Jackson added; "Coming back into education after having children is a real challenge. This is a brilliant bridging course to the Access to Health, and I have found it really engaging. I have gained such important skills and I am also taking on extra study skills to ensure I am fully prepared for the Access course in September. My peers are so supportive, and we are here to help each other, both in and out of college. After the Access course, I hope to progress to university to study to become a midwife and then specialise as a Health Visitor."

Find out more about Access to HE or Introduction to GCSE Maths and English at Stafford College.