Thomas Deacon Academy strengthens literacy culture with library relaunch
Thomas Deacon Academy, part of Thomas Deacon Education Trust in Peterborough relaunched its newly refurbished library to coincide with World Book Day celebrations, with students and staff marking the occasion through a host of creative literacy activities linked to the National Year of Reading.
The redevelopment has created a brighter, more flexible reading space featuring themed book zones, a variety of new texts chosen by both staff and students, and a new layout designed to encourage independent study and reading for pleasure.
The revamped library was officially opened by Emma Morton from the National Literacy Trust, who praised the Academy's commitment to literacy across its diverse community.
Jamie Arnold, the Academy's librarian, said:
"A school library should be a space where students feel comfortable, curious and able to discover books that genuinely interest them. Reading develops confidence, empathy and critical thinking in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.
A key part of this relaunch has been listening to our students and inviting in the books they have asked for, ensuring the library reflects their interests as well as supporting their learning. Our aim is to create a welcoming, student-centred environment where reading for pleasure can thrive."
Throughout this week, the Academy hosted a series of literacy-themed events involving students from every year group. Among the highlights was a lively "read-off" between Principal Mrs Gaunt, staff members Mr Taylor and Mrs Moore, and Sixth Form students Nimrah, Destiny and Angel, who read extracts from classic novels including ‘1984’, ‘Fahrenheit 451’ and ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’.
Other activities included creative competitions, a "Best Dressed" literary character contest, and a staff challenge that saw colleagues wearing badges featuring famous literary pairs such as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy or Tweedledum and Tweedledee.
In addition, Sixth Form Prefects and staff recorded short video messages to share with tutor groups, highlighting the books that have most influenced them. Every class across the Academy (regardless of subject) also took part in reading a shared text throughout the day in celebration of World Book Day.
Claire Moore, Subject Leader of English Literacy and Multilingualism at Thomas Deacon Academy, said: "Every student deserves the opportunity to develop a passion and love for reading. At TDA we have been using this passion to develop Leadership opportunities for our 6th Form Prefects.
We have been collaborating with The National Literacy Trust since 2023 in order to develop the Literacy Prefect role into something that can help not only our 6th Formers grow into independent, resourceful and mature young adults but also develop the love of reading in younger students.
The prefects are advocates, influencers, and positive role models who understand the power of literacy in changing life stories."
The National Literacy Trust has been supporting the Academy's work since 2023, donating books to the English as an Additional Language (EAL) department to ensure that students from every background have access to stories that inspire and reflect their experiences.
Becky Marrs, Manager of the National Literacy Trust in Peterborough, said: "Our research shows that when children and young people have access to books and enjoy reading, it can have a positive impact on so many areas of their lives, from boosting their confidence and wellbeing to improving their academic performance and future outcomes.
"We were delighted to join this launch at Thomas Deacon Academy on World Book Day in the National Year of Reading. We hope the new library will inspire more students to ‘Go All In’ on their passions through reading and discover the lifelong benefits that reading can bring."
With this week's events proving reading is alive and well, students at Thomas Deacon Academy are clearly going to enjoy the revamped library for many years to come.