Community

National Literacy Trust

In collaboration with The National Literacy Trust, each year Drake Circus welcomes more than 350 children from local Plymouth schools to take part in our story-telling sessions. Organised as part of the Young Readers Programme, the events evolved from a relationship between Drake Circus and the National Literacy Trust, and are designed to inspire children under the age of 11 to read in their spare time, and to see reading as a fun and creative activity.

This programme stems from a study that showed that reading outside of the classroom instigates higher reading levels within the classroom. This year over 3 days, pupils from High Street Primary Academy, The Cathedral School of St Mary and Laira Green Primary School took part in three literary-focused events in which the students learned how to choose books they might enjoy, and were encouraged to select three books that they could take home for free.

As well as receiving their final book from Waterstones, the schools made and kept a classroom bear from our Build-a-Bear store to act as their literacy mascots. The children also took part in literacy inspired craft activities including bookmark-making with the team at White Stuff.

Last updated Wednesday 19 July, 2023