PUPILS were welcomed back to school with the opportunity for no homework for two weeks – but only if the ditched their smartphones and read a book.
Solihull School said the scheme aimed to help pupils start the new year with less screen time and create a love of reading instead.
Pupils below the Sixth Form were allowed to choose any book to read and, during the fortnight, and shared what they learned with the rest of their class.
Pupils opted for fiction or non-fiction books and e-readers are encouraged as well as print books.
Reluctant readers were offered plenty of ideas to help them choose something that will pique their interest, while Sixth Form students were given a range of reading material which supports and develops their A Level studies, expanding their horizons ahead of critical decisions about their future.
Parents are being encouraged to act as role models, choosing their own books to read too, reading aloud with younger children, and talking about favourite books around the dinner table.
Fourth form pupil Charlie said: “I’m really excited about this initiative. Reading helps me develop my creative flair whilst also broadening my perspective on the world.”
Multiple studies have proven that reading any kind of book for pleasure is directly linked to a wide range of positive outcomes – not only in the classroom, but in all aspects of a child’s life.
The school say t is likely that two weeks of additional reading will boost Solihull pupils’ development and achievements just as much as, if not more than, a couple of weeks of traditional homework.
Executive headmaster Charles Fillingham said: “Offering pupils the widest range of opportunities to develop, grow and excel is at the heart of who we are as a school.
“It’s critically important we prepare our pupils for a digital future, but there’s also nothing quite like the joy of getting completely lost in a book – so we work hard to ground all our pupils, from the very youngest to those about to leave us for university or the world of work, in a love of reading that will support their vocabulary, imagination, skills-acquisition and critical thinking capabilities throughout their childhood and into adult life.
“Studies have also shown that young people who read more are often happier and better able to manage emotional challenges too – so we believe that ditching homework for two short weeks, in favour of reading, will pay dividends for our pupils in all aspects of their personal and academic development.”
