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World Book Day | Reading makes all other learning possible
From the Head of English
Kayleigh Norman
As an English teacher, I am often asked the following question, 'Why is reading important?' Events such as World Book Day help us communicate the importance of reading to our students and promote a love of reading that will follow them throughout their education journey and life.
Reading expands the mind, allows for creative thinking, and gives us a greater perspective on the world and others. This is something of great importance to author Penny Joelson. Her novels require us to see a different view of the world, one outside of our own. Through reading her works with students, I can see global citizens emerging who empathise and sympathise with those around them, in fiction and the real world.
From the School Librarian
Sharon Furse
‘Reading is the foundation to the creation of writing’, said award-winning author Penny Joelson in her talk to Wellington Tianjin pupils last week.
Pupils from across the Senior School listened attentively as Ms Joelson, via a live Teams call from the UK, shared advice and anecdotes from her life in books, including the experience of locking herself in the local library as a teenager, so absorbed was she in the written word, a tale that certainly struck a note of familiarity with some of our voracious young readers.
Ms Joelson went on to recount how she felt an intense desire to write her first book as she struggled to overcome the debilitating effects of ME/CFS(Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). Over the span of 3 years, Ms Joelson balanced the demands of a young family and the daily challenges of ME with the intense process of writing a first novel. The resulting story, 'I Have No Secret', went on to win nearly 10 awards in the UK.
The highlight of Ms Joelson's talk was the live question and answer session. The audience of staff and pupils found it quite moving when Ms Joelson answered 'Myself!', in reply to Year 8 Brian's question 'Who was the first person that wanted you to be an author?'. Pupils agreed that strong self-belief and courage were instrumental in helping Ms Joelson fulfil her dream of becoming a professional writer.
As College Librarian, I hope that pupils found inspiration in Ms Joelson's story, and have learnt that, with effort, the magic of creation can happen anywhere and at anytime, even when facing adversity. If you are planning on beginning a new reading or writing journey, the College Library is always open to you.
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