TAVISTOCK College is engaging in a big push to encourage students to read, not just within subject areas, but for enjoyment. Students from Years 7 and 8 follow a programme called 'accelerated reader' which links progress to rewards and encourages students to read widely and attempt increasingly harder books. Year 7 spend part of each day reading for pleasure during DEAR sessions — (Drop Everything and Read). Some students who need a little extra support or guidance have been fortunate to be linked with a community reading mentor. These are trained members of the community, who give their time to come into the college library and read with students, chat about books and encourage students to read books they would not have previously chosen. The scheme has proved highly successful with the vast majority of students now saying they enjoy reading more and are ready to try different books. The mentors also find the programme worthwhile and enjoyable. Sara Cunningham, one of the trained mentors, said: 'It is a really rewarding experience and I feel like I am giving something back to education.' College principal Helen Salmon said the support of the community for reading projects had made a real difference to young people this year. Although most mentors have chosen to continue with their role in the new academic year, the college is keen to extend the team and welcome new volunteers to come forward and find out more. If you think you might be interested and have as little as one hour a week to spend helping students, contact the literacy administrator: Charlotte Meneer at [email protected]">[email protected]