Our Reading Programme

Read More. Read Widely. Read Together.

At Riverside, we believe that reading is one of the most powerful habits a student can develop. Our Reading Programme is designed to nurture a love of reading through three complementary approaches: reading as a school community, reading with your class, and reading on your own. 

Reading is at the heart of learning. As a school, we believe that a strong reading culture builds a community of curious, thoughtful, and empathetic individuals. When we read together as a school, we share a common language, a common set of values, and a common love for stories and ideas. School-wide reading initiatives — such as reading programmes, book displays, author talks, and reading challenges — create an environment where books are celebrated and curiosity is encouraged. 

Reading exposes our students to diverse perspectives and experiences beyond their own, whether it is understanding the struggles of a character from a different culture, exploring the wonders of science through non-fiction, or discovering the beauty of poetry. These shared encounters with texts help our students grow not just academically, but as people who are better equipped to understand and navigate the world around them. A school that reads together, grows together.

When your class visits the library together, it is more than just a change of scenery from the classroom. It is a chance to discover books you might never have picked up on your own. Browsing the shelves with your friends, hearing what your classmates are reading, or getting a recommendation from your teacher can open your eyes to genres and topics you never knew you would enjoy. Maybe a friend picks up a graphic novel that catches your eye, or your teacher points you towards an exciting mystery series you have never heard of, like the Sherlock Holmes stories or the Alex Rider adventures. Perhaps you might stumble upon a fascinating non-fiction book about animals, technology, or a historical event that sparks a whole new interest in you. 

Reading as a class also gives you the chance to talk about what you are reading — sharing your thoughts, comparing your opinions, and realising that a book can mean something completely different to the person sitting next to you. These conversations make reading richer and more meaningful, and they remind us that stories are always better when shared. 

Independent reading is all about you. It is your time to read whatever you want, at your own pace, without anyone telling you what to think or how fast to go. Whether you love fantasy worlds like those in Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, true stories of real-life heroes, sports, science, horror, or even comics and manga — there is something out there for everyone, and the only way to find what you love is to explore. 

The more you read on your own, the better you get at it — your vocabulary grows, your focus improves, and you naturally become a stronger writer and thinker too. You might find that reading a variety of genres surprises you — perhaps you pick up a book about a sport you have never tried and find yourself completely hooked, or you read a science fiction novel and suddenly find yourself curious about real-world technology. Beyond all of that, reading on your own is simply one of the best ways to relax, escape, and discover who you are. Some of the best adventures you will ever go on will happen right there on the page, and the habit you build today will stay with you for life.