We’re thrilled to unveil the much-anticipated return of our annual Matilda Awards – an initiative aimed at igniting a love for reading for pleasure among young minds! As part of our ongoing mission to foster a culture of reading for pleasure in Wakefield Girls’, we invited our Year 5 and Year 6 to partake in the ‘Matilda’ Bronze Reading Award.

Reading for pleasure opens up new worlds for children. It gives them the opportunity to use their imagination to explore new ideas, visit new places and meet new characters. Interestingly, reading for pleasure also improves children’s well-being and empathy. It helps them to understand their own identity, and gives them an insight into the world and the views of others. 

To participate in the Matilda Awards, students are encouraged to undertake reflective activities from a diverse selection, with a Bronze certificate awaiting those who read 5 books from the curated list and complete five corresponding activities.  After reading a book of their choice, students will complete some short activities based on what they have read. Upon reaching the milestone of 5 books, they will be honoured with a prestigious Bronze Award certificate and house stars. For the ambitious readers, there’s an enticing Bronze Plus Award for those who read 10 books!

With help from our brilliant Junior PTA: FOSJH, new books have been purchased for the Junior Library, for the exclusive use of Year 5 and Year 6 students. These are books that we hope will inspire and be enjoyed by our older Junior girls; specifically chosen for their more challenging vocabulary and diverse range of topics which will help stretch our Year 5 and 6 students and develop their comprehension, preparing them for Seniors.

Crucially, the Matilda Awards are not a ‘competition’, but rather a personal aim for the students to challenge themselves, discover new wonderful books and to encourage a passion for reading. We are loving the enthusiasm for the Award so far and so impressed with the girls’ commitment and enjoyment of reading. The Matilda Awards continues into Senior school as well, ensuring that students can continue to nurture their passion for reading as they progress through their academic journey.

Mrs J Butterfield

Junior’s English Lead