Alsop High School has held its first Thinking Reading Graduation ceremony. Award winning children’s author Frank Cottrell Boyce, attended the ceremony and congratulated the first graduates of the Thinking Reading Intervention Programme.

The graduates attended a special ceremony in the school library with the Alsop Patron of Reading, Mr Cottrell-Boyce. Each student received gifts and a certificate. with their parents and carers in attendance. During the ceremony, Frank spoke about his love for reading, writing and his role as children’s author. He also read extracts from his novels to give students a taste of his fantabulous writing.

The students who graduated are as follows:

  • Evie-Mai Collingwood
  • Ryan Liu
  • Miley Grant
  • Mia Connell
  • Bobbie-Jo Ellison
  • Thomas Marsh
Ms Tapia-Bowes, Disciplinary Literacy Coordinator writes: 
“The Thinking Reading Team and I are beyond proud of our graduate students. Their rigour and perseverance throughout the process was exemplary – their journey to excellence to be applauded. Listening to the very first graduate, Evie Mai Collingwood, read out loud to the audience was both awesome and inspiring: well done all!”
Mr Masher, Headteacher writes: “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.”

During the ceremony Mr Cottrell-Boyce also revealed the winning entries to the popular 500 Word Writing Competition. Launched on World Book Day, Alsop’s many entrants submitted their stories in the hope of winning their particular category: KS3, KS4 and Alsop Family.

 

The Winners and Runner-Uppers of the 500 Word Competition also received their prizes from Frank and had the opportunity to read out their winning entry. These are as follows:

KS3: Winner: Kate Hudson (Y8) RU: Emma Williams (Y8)

KS4: Winner: Olivia Romney (Y11) RU: Sophie Neill (Y10)

Alsop Family: Winner: Mark Tregunna (Parent of Lili Y8) RU: David Swallow (Parent of Matthew Y9)

Mr Masher, Headteacher writes:
“Well Done also to those who entered our annual 500 Word Writing Competition. The response was astounding. The plot lines, use of vocabulary, variety of ideas, originality and flair, challenged our judges. I know choosing winners for each category was incredibly difficult.”

Ms Tapia-Bowes, Literacy Co-ordinator writes:
“The 500 Word Competition winners, parents and students, are incredible ambassadors for Alsop High. Their commitment to literacy and enjoyment of reading and writing will make a real difference in their days ahead. These special moments in life become life memories. Today, I am beyond proud of our Alsop family!”