The well-read children of Craigdhu Primary School in Milngavie have recently reached a unique milestone for literary achievements in East Dunbartonshire.
Thanks to their love of reading and their efforts to promote it across the school and the wider community, the school has become the first in the area to be re-accredited by the Scottish Book Trust as a GOLD Reading School.
The school first saw GOLD in 2023 and the continued hard work of the Reading Leadership Group ensured they stayed in the top zone. To ensure reading was high on everyone’s ‘to do’ list the group promoted several reading events including:
- Book Week when they decorated classroom doors as famous book covers, set up reading recommendation displays, organised ‘The Masked Reader’ show and created eye-catching window displays
- Buddy Reading events when senior pupils read to and with younger children in specially created comfortable reading spaces throughout the school
- A visit by author Jack Jackman who introduced his latest book, ‘Maisie vs The Himalayas’
- A community QR code scavenger hunt in partnership with a local book shop.
Councillor Lynda Williamson, Convener of East Dunbartonshire Council’s Education Committee, congratulated the school on their second Gold award. She said, “This is a wonderful achievement by a very committed group of young people, well supported by their teachers and families to reach gold not once, but twice.
“Their obvious love of reading is inspirational and I am very impressed with the imaginative ways they come up with to share their passion and get others involved. When there is so much technology and entertainment competing for the attention of young people, it is refreshing that they remain drawn to reading. Well done to everyone at Craigdhu.”
Acting Headteacher Julie Ryman added, “It is extremely rewarding that the hard work and input of the Reading School Group has been recognised. A huge well done to pupils and staff on this achievement.
I would also like to thank families as the support we have had has been phenomenal. It has truly been a joint effort and I am very proud that we are the first school in East Dunbartonshire to be recognised for this double achievement.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, concluded, “Well done to everyone at Craigdhu Primary School for being reaccredited as a Gold Reading School. Not only have you sustained all of your Gold actions, but you have continued to develop and extend your reading culture. It's wonderful news.
“A Reading Schools re-accreditation is a fantastic accomplishment for pupils and teachers alike, and achieving this status is a way of demonstrating a school’s commitment to developing vibrant reading cultures and the many benefits this brings.”
