Double triumph in national reading contest for Findochty Primary sister act
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THERE was triumph for a Findochty Primary sister act in a national reading competition.
Youngsters Ivy and Daisy Mattsson swept all before them in the annual First Minister’s Reading Challenge, winning the P4 and P7 Pupil Reading Journey awards respectively.
Ivy was celebrated for her role as a school reading ambassador through which she shares her love of reading and book recommendations with her peers. Meanwhile, Daisy was recognised for the reading journey she has been on this school year, discovering a love of stories and the benefits this can have for her wellbeing.
The sisters' victory continues school's outstanding record in the contest, with last year seeing Lily-Mae Doyle claiming the P7 Reading Journey title while highly commended awards were won by Caleb Watt and Callan Paterson in the P7 category, with Harper Ferguson doing likewise in the P5 section.
Findochty Primary headteacher Dawn Thomson said: "It's brilliant to see Ivy and Daisy's hard work, dedication and commitment being recognised like this.
"It's a boost for the whole school and more pupils are wanting to get involved as they can see the benefits of taking part.
"Findochty Primary School is immensely proud of Daisy and Ivy. Their reading journeys have had a profound and lasting impact on both girls, shaping their knowledge, intellectual abilities, empathy, creativity, personal growth, and well-being. Daisy and Ivy are excellent reading role models inspiring and positively influencing their peers promoting books and the joy of reading.
"Ivy is a voracious reader and is one of our reading ambassadors who promote reading throughout the school. She's always making suggestions of titles that pupils might like to read.
"Daisy's reading journey has helped her mental health and has been an opportunity to get her away from her iPad at home. It's also had a huge impact on her writing; her writing wowed the challenge judges."
Mrs Thomson said the secret of the school's ongoing success in the challenge, which sees them go toe to toe with big primary schools from towns and cities, was down to enthusiasm for reading and making sure pupils have access to different kinds of books. Every child in the school also has access to a library card which allows them to use the mobile library when it visits the village.
Mrs Thomson added: "We take every opportunity to promote literacy as it impacts on every part of the school curriculum."
There was more joy in the pipeline for Findochty Primary on the reading front when they were awarded their gold reading school accreditation.
Head of Education at Moray Council, Vivienne Cross, said: “Many congratulations to everyone at Findochty Primary School for all the hard work and imagination they brought to this year’s reading challenge, and thank you to all our staff and families for their efforts to support reading for enjoyment and to create a reading culture in schools, homes and communities.”
The First Minister’s Reading Challenge was established in 2016, and celebrates the reading journeys of schools, libraries, and community groups across Scotland. The challenge is run by Scottish Book Trust, working closely with Education Scotland. It includes book suggestions, learning resources, prizes, case studies and ideas to help young people develop a love of reading, as well as the opportunity to apply for funded author visits.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, added: "Many congratulations to this year’s First Minister’s Reading Challenge winners, as well as to those who were highly commended.
"Reading for pleasure supports attainment across the curriculum – as well as boosting empathy, wellbeing and critical thinking – and we are delighted to see how schools, libraries and community groups have used the challenge to develop their reading cultures."
