Alsop students celebrate successful graduation from Thinking Reading Programme

This week, students at Alsop High School attended the Alsop Thinking Reads graduation ceremony.

Alsop Thinking Reads is an initiative that encourages young people to foster a love for literature and further enhance vital reading and writing skills.

Author, screenwriter, and Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who also serves as the Alsop Patron of Reading, attended the event to congratulate the learners on their hard work.

The acclaimed writer, known for writing books like Millions and even the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, was appointed as the Alsop Patron of Reading in 2022. Since then, he has been a passionate ambassador for the school, promoting reading to students and the wider community.

During the ceremony, Frank shared his love for reading and storytelling, and his role as a children’s author. He also read extracts from his novels to give students an exciting insight into his world of writing.

Prizes were also presented to students who showcased their creativity by submitting entries to the school’s recent 500-word writing competition.

Mrs Aspinall, librarian at Alsop High School, said: “The Thinking Reading team and I are beyond proud of our graduate students. Literacy is at the heart of everything we do at Alsop. These students have made phenomenal progress, and together they have achieved excellence. They are shining examples of what young people can achieve through determination and effort.

“Well done to all these graduates!”

The graduation was a wonderful celebration of the students’ dedication, and the school looks forward to the continued success of the programme.