Literacy is about learning to read and write accurately, being able to listen carefully and talk clearly about ideas. At Calderhead High School, we are committed to improving literacy across the school. We would also like to involve you, as parents and carers, and would be grateul if you would please complete this survey:
Tag Archives: literacy
Author Visit – Gill Arbuthnott
Author, Gill Arbuthnott, visited Calderhead High School on 14th September and spoke to our S1 pupils.
Gill has written many novels and non-fiction books and gave us a fascinating talk on her writing and the inspiration for her stories. You can find out more about Gill on her website and join the waiting list to borrow her books from the school library!
This talk was part-funded by the Scottish Book Trust as part of the Live Literature initiative.
Trip to Edinburgh International Book Festival 2017
Pupils from S3 and S4 enjoyed a day out at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on Monday, 28th August. Our first author was Darren Shan, an extremely prolific author of fantasy and horror books for both young people and adults. His books include the Zom-b series; the Saga of Darren Shan series; the Demonata series; The Thin Executioner and many more. He has apparently sold more than 25 million books and his books are on sale in every continent, in 39 countries and in 31 languages.
Darren treated us to readings from Zom-b, which were suitably gruesome, and gave us his thoughts about Brexit, Trump and how his concerns are reflected in Zom-b.
After a trip to the Festival bookshop and the ice-cream stall, we heard from two authors who have written some fantastic science-fiction. Lauren James talked about her latest book, ‘The Loneliest Girl in the Universe” and Philip Reeve talked about the weird and wonderful worlds of the “Railhead” series of books. It was great to hear about new YA sci-fi books, especially from two authors who are so passionate about the genre.
Scholastic Book Club
Pupils can still redeem their World Book day tokens online through the Scholastic Book Club until 20th March. This is a great way for pupils and their parents and carers to choose books together and features a wide range of titles with prices starting from just £2.99. You also help to support our school – every £1 you spend will earn 20p for our school in Scholastic Rewards.
There’s never any obligation to order but if you would like to buy anything, you can order online and pay by credit or debit card and don’t forget to enter the number of World Day Book tokens at the checkout to claim your £1 off.
If you choose ‘school delivery’ you will benefit from free post and packing to the school – please remember to add the pupil’s name and class. The books will then be delivered to the school and given to your child.
World Book Day
Happy World Book Day!
Thursday, 2nd March is World Book Day – a huge celebration of authors, illustrators, books and reading in schools, libraries and homes in over 100 countries. World Book Day is the world’s biggest annual celebration of reading – and 2017 marks its 20th anniversary.
Pupils at Calderhead High School marked World Book Day this year by participating in a book quiz. Congratulations to Mrs Johnston’s S3 Maths class who answered all the questions correctly in the shortest time.
The library assistants also created a beautiful book tree, designed by Heather in S3. Pupils and staff have been noting their favourite books and authors on paper ‘leaves’ and adding them to the tree.
Pupils were also issued with World Book day tokens which they can take to their local bookseller or participating supermarket and swap for one of the special World Book Day books or use to get £1 off any full price book instead.
Pupils can redeem their World Book day tokens online through the Scholastic Book Club. This is a great way for pupils and their parents and carers to choose books together and features a wide range of titles with prices starting from just £2.99. You also help to support our school – every £1 you spend will earn 20p for our school in Scholastic Rewards.
There’s never any obligation to order but if you would like to buy anything, you can order online and pay by credit or debit card and don’t forget to enter the number of World Day Book tokens at the checkout to claim your £1 off.
If you choose ‘school delivery’ you will benefit from free post and packing to the school – please remember to add the pupil’s name and class. The books will then be delivered to the school and given to your child.
Harry Potter Night
We had a great time celebrating Harry Potter Book Night in the library at lunchtime on Thursday, 2nd February.
Pupils were sorted into their houses, Gryffndor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin, before taking part in a Harry Potter quiz which showed their extensive knowledge of all things Potter.
The celebration ended with some spirited wizard duelling, judged by our very own “Professor” Galloway. Special thanks also to “Professor” Biggerstaff who presided over the sorting ceremony.
Roald Dahl Day
“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” Roald Dahl.
We’re celebrating Roald Dahl Day in the Library today.
Roald Dahl was born on 13th September and Roald Dahl Day takes place every year on this date.
This year we’re marking 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl and it’s set to be to be the biggest worldwide celebration of Roald Dahl Day ever. Brooke, Ayesha and Murron are revisiting some of their favourite Dahl books – we even have a French copy of the ‘Big Friendly Giant’!
Edinburgh Book Festival
Pupils from S1 and S2 visited the Edinburgh International Book Festival today to see one of Scotland’s leading hip-hop bands, Stanley Odd.
As well as hearing ‘front man’ Dave Hook talk about how he uses poetic technique and structure in his lyrics, pupils also enjoyed hearing the band play some of their tracks.
Great inspiration for our Poetry Slam workshops next month…
World Book Day Quiz Champions
The whole school participated in the recent World Book Day Quiz and competition between the classes was fierce! However, 5S2 won by a narrow margin and have been appointed this year’s World Book Day Quiz Champions. Congratulations!
