‘Drop Everything and Read’ is a brilliant initiative that focuses students’ minds on the pleasure of reading. Once every half term students literally ‘drop’ what they are doing: take a break from their lesson to focus on a book.
Teachers are provided with an enriching and interesting video centred on a book. Sometimes this involves authors reading from their books; sometimes it is information about the new books in the GMS library; sometimes students or staff read from their own favourite book.
The classroom discussion that follows is an important part of the initiative and invites critical thinking. It is impressive to see the enthusiasm with which the students respond to this whole class engagement with reading.
The D.E.A.R programme is part of a broader effort to integrate literacy into daily life here at GMS. Reading for pleasure is scientifically proven, not only to increase attainment levels and develop important literacy and language skills needed for their education, but also to support positive mental health and emotional well-being in teenagers.
The next event is on 28th January. Many thanks to all those who contribute to make this initiative the success that it has become.
- See also: National Year of Reading 2026
