The page turners who relish Reading Ahead

The reading achievements of 93 students came under the spotlight during the college’s Reading Ahead 2018/19 certificate presentation. The national programme challenges people to read six titles, rate and review them as a way of improving their vocabulary and wider literacy skills.

Reading Ahead also encourages people to discover the joys of reading so they spend more time doing this, or read more widely.

Research from the University of Sussex has found that just six minutes of reading can be enough to reduce stress levels by more than two thirds. Other research has found that reading can also help you sleep better, improve your memory and intelligence, be a form of therapy, and can support emotional development and academic success.

Performing arts student, Mikail Ali participated in Reading Ahead, winning a kindle fire in the presentation’s prize draw.

“Reading Ahead encourages you to come out of your comfort zone and read different things,” he said. “It opens your mind. I tend to read a lot of modern poetry. I find it relaxing and it helps me think creatively.

“Reading gives you so much – I’d encourage everyone to do it.”

The Reading Ahead programme takes place every year in public libraries, colleges, workplaces and prisons across the UK. The college’s programme was organised by the Learning Resource Centre team who will receive a Bronze Award from The Reading Agency for taking part.

Walsall College offer part-time and evening courses in Functional Skills and GCSE English. Find out more here.

If you would like to speak to a member of staff about courses available, please call 01922 688852 or come along to our Open Day on Tuesday 25 June, from 4pm – 7pm.