Newcastle-Under-Lyme College has won a Bronze Award signed by action writer Andy McNabb in the national Six Book Challenge which recognises the increased reading and success rates of learners.More than 50 students from Foundation Studies at the College took part in the challenge which improves the chances in life for people who find reading difficult by building their reading confidence and motivation.
To win the award the College had to encourage students to achieve six “reads” – whether they be on or off-line, books, magazine or recipes - and record their success in a diary to gain an individual certificate.
This was a major step forward for many of the learners who had previously rarely read for pleasure. To qualify the students also had to borrow at least one book from a library so the College supported by ensuring there was sufficient age-appropriate reading material available to meet the readers’ interests in the Learning Resources Centre.
Said Jeannette Sword, Curriculum Manager for Foundation Studies: ”This is a superb achievement as this was only our second year running in the project. It’s a good example of how we encourage and support improvement in every part of the College. This success came hot on the heels of our success with the Active Citizen FE project which we completed successfully over two years, encouraging critical thinking and proactive members of society. We are now keen to widen Book Challenge participation and aim for a silver award next year.”
