Lewisham College hosted the annual Reading Challenge Awards to celebrate the success of learners from across the College who participated in the challenge, reading several items within a set period to develop their reading and comprehension skills.As part of the challenge, each learner chose six reads to record, rate and review in their reading diary. After completing the challenge, they received a certificate or a digital badge for their achievement.
During the awards ceremony, attendees were able to see a live rap performance and listen to an inspirational talk from the author of the Absolute Nonny book series, Leah Osakwe. The winners of the challenge were then congratulated and presented with their certificates by Gerard Garvey, Principal at Lewisham College.
He said: “I am delighted to have presented our learners with their completion certificates for the Reading Ahead Challenge. My own passion for reading means that I will always encourage young people to explore the world of reading. Whether you’re reading fiction or non-fiction, reading can be an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and we will continue to celebrate our learners’ reading achievements and milestones.”
A highlight of the event was hearing from learners who had never read anything in English before starting the challenge, who by the end of it were able to read an entire book in English. All learners were in a celebratory mood with cheers and clapping throughout the occasion that was wrapped up with a prize draw and a buffet lunch.
The Reading Ahead challenge encourages reading for leisure and supports learners of all abilities to develop their literacy and communication skills which are essential while studying a course, in employment and in everyday life, as well as inspire innovative ideas and help learners to navigate the world around them, support mental health and wellbeing and build on their confidence.
To find out more about the facilities and support that the Learning Centre has to offer, please visit lewisham.ac.uk/learner-support.
