If you would like to volunteer please complete this form by  Friday 18th September, 17:00.

Click here to learn more about the programme.

If you have any questions, email Dr Hayward (ehayward@channing.co.uk

Volunteering as a 1:1 Reading Buddy has been a really rewarding experience. I wanted to take part because I wanted to help younger students build their confidence while also getting to know some students in younger year groups. Over the weeks, it was great to see my reading buddy become more confident, which made the sessions feel worthwhile.

I think the programme benefits both year 7 and year 9 students. I think it benefits year 7 students because they receive extra encouragement with their reading in a supportive environment, while students in year 9 can develop skills such as communication and responsibility.

One challenge I had was finding ways to keep each session engaging, especially if my reading buddy felt unsure or distracted. I overcame this by being patient and encouraging them. If students are interested in volunteering  I think they would need to consider that it is important to be approachable and willing to encourage others, as well as being prepared to commit to the role, but it is a worthwhile experience that helps build useful skills and I would definitely recommend it to anyone considering taking part.

The Reading Buddy Programme is a great opportunity to get involved in at Channing, offering numerous benefits for both Year 7 and Year 9 students. 

For the Year 7s, it provides a valuable chance to talk to new people in the school, especially those in older years, who can give helpful advice about the year ahead. It is also a good way to build confidence in reading aloud, which is a key skill for every subject moving forward. 

For the Year 9s, it’s a highly rewarding volunteering activity that makes you feel more helpful and involved in the school community. Personally, I most enjoyed talking to my reading buddy every week, not only about our book but also about her daily life, such as her lessons, upcoming tests, or holiday plans. 

Things to consider if you're interested in volunteering, include your confidence in initiating engaging conversations with younger students as they might feel shy or a little intimidated to begin with. One of the main challenges I faced as a Reading Buddy was being paired with a Year 7 student who didn’t really enjoy  reading, and had no idea what type of book she found interesting, so it was difficult for us to find a book she liked. However, after reviewing the Year 7 reading list a few times and exploring a wide range of genres, we eventually found a book she enjoyed, which was a really rewarding experience.