AVS Newsletter 29th September 2017 | Page 2

Avon Valley’s Focus On Reading – English Faculty During the last two weeks, Avon Valley School has been very busy completing Reading Age tests. This now means that every student in the school understands the difference between their chronological and actual reading age. We felt that this was important to them as we continue to focus upon the encouragement of reading. Nationally and locally, reading is being advocated as the key to academic development and stimulus. Reading should be for pleasure as a way of relaxing but it is also a necessity as the students of today have to access much harder exam specifications. Our students are all a part of the AVS 50 Reading Challenge. Last year, in the first year of the AVS 50, many students read more than ten books. On October 5 th , students will display how reading can be interpreted in many ways; also, students who find reading a struggle, will be invited to a support meeting with Mrs Davies and Mrs Fagan. Within all our lessons students are encouraged to participate in reading, and begin to question how they can improve their reading age. Let’s hope that even more students this year aim to complete the challenge. Interschool's’ Debate Competition A number of our talented Year 10 and 11 students are busily preparing to take part in this popular annual event. It will take place at the Debating Chamber of Rugby Town Hall in October. This prestigious event has been judged in the past by the mayor, our MP and various members of the council. Having got through to the semi-final last year, we are now hoping to improve on this and reach the final. The students are putting all their energy into perfecting their performances; so let us all cheer them on in their quest for success!