Sheppey Student Joanne Completes Six Book Challenge

A student at the Sheppey Campus of Canterbury College has become the first at the Campus to successfully complete this year’s Six Book Challenge – a scheme aimed at encouraging less confident readers to read more.

Joanne Frederic is studying for a diploma in Personal Progress at Entry 1 at the Campus on Bridge Road in Sheerness. The 17 year-old, who lives in Sheerness, read Scout by D Phillips, Hunters Moon by John Townsend, Cliff Edge by Jane West, Flash Flood by Andy Croft, The Night Runner by Alan Coombes and Fire by David Orme.

The Six Book Challenge is a UK-wide annual event which encourages people to read six books, short stories, magazine and newspaper articles or poems, then record their reading in a diary to get a certificate and chance to enter a national prize draw for a weekend stay in London.

Research shows that getting involved in reading for pleasure increases confidence, motivation and skills.

The Six Book Challenge was launched in 2008 by The Reading Agency; it attracted 13,500 participants in 2010 through libraries, adult education, prisons and workplaces – up 50% on the previous year – and is fast becoming a major transformational tool for those struggling with reading and writing.

Over half of adults (56%) in England have literacy skills below the level of a good GCSE. The Six Book Challenge offers a new and creative approach to improving literacy skills in a fun and accessible way.

Head of Campus, Philip Wicker, said: "The Sheppey Campus exists to provide opportunities for all members of the community with courses ranging from Basic Skills to University entrance.  It was a real pleasure to make this significant award to a learner such as Joanne who has contributed so much to the life of the College."

The Six Book Challenge 2011 runs until June.

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