Pupils in the Hangzhou International Kindergarten were fully engaged in Literacy Week. It was a delight to see so many children immersed in learning through stories from around the world; whether it be acting out a journey to look for a bear in Year 1 or imagining other worlds and planets in Year 6.

 Why, though, is reading so important? Put simply, because there is a huge body of research that shows a deep connection between the act of reading and academic success. 

 At Wellington College International Hangzhou we think of reading in two ways: that of ‘learning to read’ and ‘reading to learn’. Pupils must learn the mechanics of reading, through daily phonics lessons and the explicit teaching of what ‘reading comprehension’ involves. Here, for example, pupils are taught inference and deduction skills – the ability to understand parts of the text that the writer has missed out - by drawing on their own experiences and understanding of the world around them.

 At the same time, teachers help pupils to understand that reading is the key to unlocking knowledge in subjects across the curriculum - supported and enhanced by our expertly curated and maintained school library.  

 Ultimately, therefore, reading is important because it helps us to bridge physical and cultural divides, creates deeper understanding of our place in the world as international citizens, and makes life-long learners and enquirers of us all. Or, in the words of Roald Dhal, If you are going to get anywhere in life, you have got to read a lot of books.