Year 7 and Year 8 Readathon

j:\english\letters\2016-17\y7-y8 readathon ltr 28-03-17.docx

28 March 2017

Dear Parent/Carer

Year 7 and Year 8 Readathon

At Easthampstead Park Community School we see regular reading outside of school as vital to student success in their studies across the curriculum. Furthermore, being literate and enjoying reading is an important life skill and is a culture we strive to instil in all of our students.

Each year, all Year 7 students are given the exciting opportunity to participate in a Readathon. This year we are going to open it to all Key Stage 3 students in the form of a competition. Each year group will be given an allotted amount of time to read as many books as they can and, in the process, raise money for a specific charity. Years 7 and 8 will be competing against each other with prizes awarded to the student, tutor group and year group who raise the most money.

The purpose of the Readathon is two-fold:

1.  To encourage Year 7 students and Year 8 students to read more.

2.  To empower students by making them aware that their contributions can make a difference.

This year the Readathon will run from 31 March to 26 May and during this time the students are to pledge to read as many books as they can and collect sponsor money from friends and family before the end of the competition. Pledge cards will be sent out with the students before the start of the competition. In keeping with Easthampstead Park Community School’s traditions, we will be raising money for a specific charity in the area. This year the Year 7 and 8 School Council representatives have chosen to raise money in support of the Thames Valley Hospice in Windsor - an organisation close to the hearts of students in Key Stage 3 and indeed the school community as a whole.

Last year we raised over £650 in support of the Wexham Park Hospital; a total we hope to double this year with your support.

We look forward to your support in what we anticipate will be an exciting competition and rewarding challenge for our Year 7 and 8 students.

Yours faithfully

Miss C Pettipas

Key Stage 3 English and Literacy Coordinator

Headteacher: Mrs Liz Cook MA, BA(Hons)