In November 2021 I gave an oral statement confirming the absolute priority I place on reading and oracy and the actions I intend to take to ensure that all learners achieve high standards in these skills. I am pleased to provide members with an update.
Improving standards of oracy and reading is essential for all learners, no matter what their socio-economic background, to be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience to reach their potential. I am pleased that the impact of the additional £5 million I invested in books and reading programmes is being felt throughout Wales. This has resulted in over 350,000 additional books and 169,070 book tokens being gifted to our learners in both primary and secondary schools.
Research shows that reading more and developing a love of reading and literature has a positive impact upon education success. This year I am piloting a reading mentoring programme where university students will be partnered with primary schools in areas of deprivation to work with targeted groups of learners to encourage an enjoyment and motivation to read. This pilot also provides the opportunity to expand learner awareness of and aspiration towards higher education opportunities at an early age.
