News
Over 5,500 pupils “read their way around the world” in the Reading Miles Global Challenge
29 Mar 2012
A record number of entries have been received for our spring literacy competition, run in partnership with Oxford University Press. Primary school pupils all over the UK collected “reading miles” in special passports by spending time reading both at home and at school. These miles allowed them to “travel” around the world on a classroom poster – 33,000 miles (or 11 hours of reading in total).
Of the 5,500 children who completed the challenge, Year 3 pupil Ria from Portsdown Primary School in Portsmouth was randomly selected as the lucky prize draw winner. Ria wins a book voucher and family day out for herself, as well as £500 worth of books and a visit from top storytellers Snail Tales for her school.
The news of the competition result has been met with tremendous excitement by the competition winner and her school. Deputy Headteacher Daphne Wright said:
“The Reading Miles Global Challenge came just at the right time for our school. We have been promoting reading at Portsdown this year and have seen a fantastic improvement in reading and reading for pleasure. This challenge engaged and delighted pupils throughout the school…and was a great incentive to many pupils to read at home. Both parents and children have talked about the challenge so we are thrilled that one of our pupils won. We look forward to launching The Big Diamond Jubilee Read* in April!”
Ria, the competition winner, had this to say:
“I really enjoyed the reading challenge, ticking off the miles on the passport was good fun. I really didn’t think I’d win, then I thought, I might! When I heard I felt surprised and very excited. I couldn’t believe I’d won!...I will definitely take part in the Diamond Reading Challenge. I’d say to other children, have a go - you never know you might be a winner like me!”
*The Big Diamond Jubilee Read is a new reading and writing competition that will run throughout the summer term, and is supported by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall. Find out more.
