Castle Douglas Primary receives highly commended prize in Scottish Book Trust's First Minister's Reading Challenge

Castle Douglas Primary has been awarded a national prize for its efforts in promoting a culture of reading for pleasure.

The school received the Highly Commended prize in the ‘School Reading Journey’ of the Scottish Book Trust’s First Minister’s Reading Challenge.

The national prize was awarded for excellent practice in developing a whole school reading culture.

The Challenge celebrates the progress a school or group has made and the steps taken to read for pleasure more often.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Book Trust said: “Castle Douglas Primary School focused on pupil voice with an impressive review column in the local newspaper and pupil involvement in choosing new books.

“The feedback from pupils and their parents was very positive.”

Aidan Whan, P7 class teacher said: “We are delighted that the hard work and enthusiasm of our learners has been recognised through receiving the Highly Commended award in the ‘School Reading Journey’ category of the First Minister’s Reading Challenge.

“Our learners have worked incredibly hard this year to develop a culture of reading for pleasure.

“Sharing an enthusiasm for reading with our families and wider school community through regular activities including learner and staff book reviews, book sales and a review column in our local newspaper has provided new and exciting learning opportunities for us all.

“We are proud that the First Minister’s Reading Challenge has recognised the commitment of our learners and support from our school community.”