D.E.A.R. - A Government survey found that in 2005 two out of three adults were choosing to pick up a book in their leisure time, compared to just over half in 1977. In contrast, the media frequently publicise how teenagers rarely read and have turned to computers and the internet for entertainment instead. So, how can we continue to show teenagers that reading has many benefits and is an enjoyable experience? St. Wilfrid’s hopes that the new initiative of ‘Drop Everything And Read’, which has now become a permanent fixture in the school’s calendar, will help 
to either get students back into reading or to simply give them a chance to enjoy their love of reading in school hours.
The concept is simple. Everyone on the school site, from teachers to students and from site staff to visitors, on the sound of the school bell, drops everything and reads! The event takes place at different times throughout the school year to show our students that reading is a part of everything that we do and not simply limited to English lessons and visiting the library.
After a very successful trial event with students in Years 7 and 8, the first whole school event, which involved all students from Years 7 to 13, took place on Tuesday 31st March. The event was a massive success, and both teachers and students commented afterwards how refreshing it was to simply stop the normal proceedings of the school day and enjoy ‘a good book!’Usage of the school’s library is now on the increase and with our final DEAR event of the year taking place on Friday 10th July, students are busy making sure they are ready with a book of their choice.
Whilst busy preparing for the first whole school event, a pupil informed me that the DEAR event would coincide with her PE lesson. When I asked her how she felt about this, her reply made it all worthwhile!
‘We get to do some PE and then sit down and read; it’s great! It just goes to show you can read anywhere Miss!’
Miss Laura Jimmeson
Assistant Head (Director of English)
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