Nurturing Excellence: The Boarding Literacy Program

Engaging Today's Tech Savvy Kids in Reading

Teacher Serena Lewis created a program to foster a love of reading among young boarders

Engaging today’s tech-savvy kids in reading is no small feat. With this challenge in mind, Kinross Wolaroi’s then Head of English, Serena Lewis, developed the Boarding Literacy Program to reignite the joy of the written word for a technology-influenced generation.

'Book Club' Atmosphere

At Kinross Wolaroi, Year 7 and 8 boarders dedicate their homework time to a unique literacy program encouraging a love for reading. Twice a week, students participate in a 45-minute session centred around an engaging text to enhance their literacy skills. During these sessions, a teacher reads to the boarders and fosters discussion, creating a book club atmosphere rather than a traditional classroom setting.

“The goal is to engage the students, stimulate discussion, and spark their interest in creative writing,” explains Serena Lewis, Head of English until 2024.

Rekindling a Passion for Reading

Initially launched as a pilot program for the boarding boys four years ago, its success quickly led to its expansion to all boarding students. Through the Boarding Literacy Program, the school aims to rekindle a passion for reading among a generation otherwise distracted by digital media. Serena reports positive feedback from students, with noticeable literacy improvement.

Careful book selection is crucial to the program’s success. The chosen texts address social issues, foster empathy and emotional intelligence, and stimulate real-life debates. One notable example is The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku, a moving true story of a German Jew who survived a Nazi concentration camp. The students were deeply inspired by this book, so much so that they wrote letters to the author. Sadly, Eddie Jaku passed away two days after the letters were sent, but the exercise was profoundly valuable for the students.

Other books featured in the program include Tim Winton’s Blueback, Anthony Horowitz’s Stormbreaker, and David Almond’s Skellig. Serena emphasises that book selection varies based on the cohort and the genres previously enjoyed by the students.

Removing Barriers to Reading

This program was inspired by a similar initiative Serena worked with in the UK before moving to Australia. She observes that a combination of factors, including technology, COVID-19, social media, and the economy, have created barriers to reading for today’s children. This poses a significant challenge for schools in overcoming the general disinterest in reading among today’s youth, who are often drawn to the internet’s instant gratification.

“In the UK, literacy is a significant focus, with junior schools dedicating an hour each day to it,” says Serena. “Our program aims to revive the importance of the written word and storytelling in a world dominated by social media and gaming.”

You're Never Too Old to be Read To

Serena credits her English Faculty colleagues Amy Keir and Amy Proudford-Nalder with driving the program forward with the students. She believes the traditional expectation of kids reading books at home in their own time is outdated. Instead, the program reads the book aloud to all students, bringing the characters to life with different voices and accents, allowing students to experience the book collectively.

“You are never too old to be read to,” Serena asserts. “I also encourage students to embrace audiobooks if they struggle with reading. Listening to a book exposes them to vocabulary and allows for multitasking!”

A Tailored Approach

The program’s success lies in its structured approach, which provides consistent and rigorous delivery personalised to meet the cohort’s specific needs. Regular assessments and tracking of student progress ensure accountability and allow for targeted support. Importantly, parents are informed of their child’s development, fostering a collaborative approach to learning between home and school.

The program has yielded promising results, with students showing significant improvements in reading fluency, spelling, and comprehension. More than just academic gains, the program has sparked a genuine enthusiasm for literacy among students, shown by their eagerness to participate in sessions and even share their newfound love for reading with their families.

Wellbeing and a Love of Learning

Beyond academic achievement, the Boarding Literacy Program contributes to students’ wellbeing. By nurturing a love for reading and providing targeted support, the program aims to empower students and promote lifelong learning.

Through initiatives like this, Kinross Wolaroi continues to uphold its commitment to excellence and student-centred education, ensuring that every boarder thrives academically, socially, and personally.

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