Six Book Challenge 2013

Reading Agency vision That people’s attitudes to reading, both in print and online, are changed by taking part in the Six Book Challenge, whether or not they are already readers. Priority audience – those who struggle with the written word Also powerful for lapsed readers

Why? 5.1 million adults of working age are STILL at the level expected of an 11 year old (moved from 16% to 15% since 2003) 14.8 million adults would not achieve a GCSE at A* - C grade (improved from 39.5% to 28.5% since 2003) 2011 Skills for Life Survey: Headline findings Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Dec 2011

Creating a virtuous circle Learners engaged in (more) text Learners enjoy reading Learners practise skills Learners improve skills Learners want to read more

Support from The Reading Agency Advocacy for libraries’ role Links with national initiatives eg Quick Reads, BBC campaigns, World Book Night R & D – reading for pleasure at Entry Level, potential for using digital games Reading Groups for Everyone, Mood-Boosting Books Practical schemes – Six Book Challenge

What is the Six Book Challenge? An invitation to read six books or other ‘materials’ and record reading in a diary Library support for choosing what to read Creative activity such as reading groups Incentives to increase retention Certificate for those who read six books (participation certificate for less) A proven way of engaging and motivating adults to improve their literacy skills

Growth of Six Book Challenge

Adult and community education “I’ve now read a lot more than six books. I didn’t read much before but I am going to keep going to classes, keep reading and keep going to the library to get books out.” Brian Bates, 61, an adult learner in Derbyshire

Prisons “I wouldn’t have read any books, let alone six, without the Challenge.” Dylan, HMYOI Feltham “The Challenge has helped our students to understand the value of a good book and how it can help with spelling, punctuation and improve on your vocabulary.” Martine Fontenelle, Literacy Tutor, HMP Wandsworth

Workplaces “At first I thought I couldn’t do the Challenge because I wasn’t very good at reading. But it is really good, it helps you along, and it has definitely helped me.” Yvonne Hirst, 51, a cleaning supervisor at De Montfort University, who was supported by UNISON to take part

Colleges “I’d never been in a library before and I hated reading! Now I’m feeling confident about reading and I’m finding it easier the more I do.” Tristan Wrighton, 17, a student at Northampton College who downloaded books on to his phone

“ We’ve piloted the Six Book Challenge with our lower level learners and found it to have a significant impact on their achievement. So much so that we’re now going to roll out it to all Level 1 learners as part of their teaching and learning which will include regular trips to the college library. We’re also building it into the syllabus for all Level 2 Functional Skills and GCSE English students.” John Bexson, Deputy Principal for Curriculum and Student Services, Northampton College

Six Book Challenge 2013

Packs to promote the Challenge and run it with 50 people January – June 2013 Support from Andy McNab as Ambassador Discounts for multiple packs and reading diaries Bilingual materials for Wales Link with Rugby League World Cup 2013 Prize draws for completers Prize draws for colleges, prisons and workplaces – author visits Gold/silver/bronze award scheme

Partnerships Public library services – 60% involvement in 2012 Adult & community learning – strong SBC library authorities show engagement of high numbers Workplaces - engagement by TUC unionlearn, individual unions and some employers Prison education – around 100 prisons and YOIs FE college libraries – nearly 100 colleges took part in 2012 using their own libraries/learning resource centres Family learning, children’s centres – libraries running the Six Book Challenge alongside the Summer Reading Challenge Health – mental health groups, NHS Trusts

National contacts Genevieve Clarke (general) / David Kendall (prisons and workplaces) / Daniel Colagiovanni (purchase enquiries)