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Jade, Key Stage 2 Leader from Parochial C of E Primary School, has won the national award ‘Reading Plus Champion of the Year (KS2)’ for significantly impacting her pupils’ literacy development.
The Reading Plus Awards is an annual event organised by Reading Solutions UK, home to online reading development programme, Reading Plus, to recognise and celebrate the achievements of pupils, teachers, and schools across the country.
Deputy headteacher at Parochial Jessica Finlay, who nominated Jade for the award, said: “Jade’s passion for removing the barriers to reading success in her classroom is evident in her pupils’ progress. She promotes and fosters a love of reading in her classroom which permeates throughout.”
Jade said: “I feel proud to receive the Reading Plus Champion of Year award, not just for myself but for all the staff at Parochial who also nurture our pupils’ love of reading. “It is extremely fulfilling to see the hard work of both staff and pupils celebrated by Reading Solutions UK.”
Parochial also celebrated other sucesses in the Reading Plus Awards. Pupil David Okwuaraba, aged 10, won second place in ‘Most Words Read by a Pupil (KS2)’ after reading over 600,000 words on the programme.
David said: “I didn’t have any idea that I would be nominated for a Reading Plus award. I feel happy, proud, and excited about being a runner-up.”
Parochial was also shortlisted in the Reading Plus School of the Year (KS2) award, which recognises the whole school’s efforts and culture in improving children’s literacy skills.
Jessica added: “We take immense pride in having our school’s achievements acknowledged. It serves as a testament to the commitment of all our teachers to strive for reading excellence. We firmly believe that the progress we have witnessed is a result of the dedication displayed by all staff at Parochial.”
Jade received a trophy, certificate, and a £25 Amazon voucher for her efforts, and all the runners-up received certificates.
Clair Freeman, Reading Development Consultant at Reading Solutions UK, said: “The effect of great teaching is evident at Parochial. Jade has gone above and beyond for her pupils. Alongside aiding her pupils to excel, like David, Jade also helps other teachers do the same.”