Baltasound Junior High School in Unst is the first school in Shetland to be accredited by Scottish Book Trust as a Reading School.
Reading Schools is an accreditation programme by Scottish Book Trust, recognising schools that are committed to building a reading culture for their learners and communities. Baltasound Junior High School has been recognised with a ‘Core’ first level accreditation. The scheme also includes Silver and Gold levels.
Baltasound Junior High School regularly promotes reading among staff and pupils in a range of ways, including supporting reading for pleasure at home, and encouraging access to the school library which is regularly updated with new materials. The school also has reading areas throughout the building, including ‘book corners’ and staff encourage time to read, storytelling opportunities and have conversations about pupils’ reading interests.
The school provides access to books to take home, shares news about school reading projects and encourages families to join the school library to access books and other reading materials
Research by Scottish Book Trust proves that reading for pleasure is central in supporting equity and wellbeing, positively impacting learners' attainment across the curriculum, critical thinking, creativity, empathy and resilience.
Ashley Spence, Depute Head Teacher at Baltasound Junior High School said: “We’re really pleased to have this recognition from Scottish Book Trust as the first school in Shetland to be accredited as a Reading School. Our reading leadership group, including staff, pupils and our school librarian, are enthusiastic about reading and we know the value that it brings to young people, to develop their learning and literary skills, and creative thinking across so many areas.”
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Congratulations to Baltasound Junior High School for this momentous achievement. We are thrilled to see schools across Scotland reach the milestone and look forward to supporting more schools as they develop vibrant reading cultures.”
For more information about Reading Schools, please look up Scottish Book Trust website at: readingschools.scot/