Adult students taking a Learning, Employability and Progression qualification at Newbury College, successfully took part in this year's Reading Ahead challenge. Mike Brook, Head of West Berkshire Library, and Anne Murdoch, Principal and CEO, Newbury College, presented 12 students with completion certificates and prizes were awarded for first, second and third places.
Reading Ahead is a national scheme that takes place every year in libraries, colleges and workplaces. The challenge invites participants to improve their reading skills over a six-week period by reading, reviewing and rating six pieces and recording it in a diary. As well as books, participants can also read leaflets, instructions or magazines. The scheme encourages those who find reading difficult to explore the idea of reading for pleasure.
The winners were Karen Winter (1st place), Rebecca King (2nd place) and Daniel Evans (3rd place). A special achievement award was given to Lewis Darling.
Newbury College runs the Reading Ahead challenge in association with West Berkshire Library. Laura Lennox, Learning Resource Assistant, at Newbury College, said: Daphne Deacon (from West Berks Library) and I were both impressed with the level of dedication shown by the participants and standard of the completed diaries. They were a pleasure to read and we felt that everyone deserved recognition for the improvements made to their reading skills.