Kilmaurs Primary was one of just 20 schools from across Scotland to share their School Reading Journey at a special ceremony held by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at The Hub in Edinburgh.
The First Minister’s Reading Challenge, in partnership with the Scottish Book Trust, encourages young people to read for pleasure. The Challenge is designed to help schools get primary school pupils reading and also to build and develop a reading culture within each school.
Pupils from Kilmaurs made a film to show the First Minister how pupils’ attitudes to reading had changed for the better during the challenge. The First Minister was so impressed she awarded the school a Highly Commended certificate.
Councillor Fiona Campbell, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning said:
“I am absolutely delighted for Kilmaurs Primary. The whole school worked so hard on the First Minister’s Reading Challenge and the children have become avid readers. The video they made about their journey was fantastic; we have so many talented pupils.
“Research shows that there is a strong link between reading for pleasure and attainment. I would like to thank Head teacher Rona Lindsay and everyone at Kilmaurs Primary for their hard work and dedication to their pupils.”
Head teacher Rona Lindsay said: “We had the most wonderful day in Edinburgh. The First Minister spent lots of time with our pupils talking to them about their favourite books and authors who inspire them. It really was very special.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our parents and partners, who fully supported the challenge, and who really got behind our reading journey especially the community book swap and reading treasure hunt.”