Every Wednesday during form time, these pupil volunteers meet with Year 7 pupils to support them with their reading. The weekly sessions are designed to build confidence, improve literacy skills and foster a love of reading in a friendly and supportive environment.

The mentors not only help with reading comprehension and fluency, but also act as positive role models, encouraging good study habits, resilience and communication skills. The relationships being built between older and younger pupils are a wonderful example of the strong community spirit we value at our school.

Ella Year 10 Mentor said: "I look forward to reading every Wednesday morning with my mentee in Year 7. She has progressed so much, it's made me proud because I was the one who helped her. Reading makes me feel like I'm in a different world and experiencing that with someone else is truly special. Hearing her clear reading and fluency improve makes me super proud of her. We talk after every chapter, imagining what it would be like if we were the characters in the book."

Muna Year 7 mentee said: "My mentor makes me think I'm in a dream of books and our friendship is so good. I do really know now that it is good for me. My mentor is an angel. She helps me whenever I'm stuck on something and helps me with anything she can. I think it is great being together to read, and I want to thank her for her help."

Jane Loughman, School Librarian said: "I'm thrilled to be part of the Peer Mentor Reading Programme for the second year now and it has become a highlight of my week. The enthusiasm of both the mentors and mentees is something for us to be proud of. The hum of the reading is quite an overwhelming experience in itself, not to mention how much the pupil's resilience, confidence and self-esteem is boosted along the way. It's a genuine joy to witness their reading journeys unfold in our beautiful Library."

A big thank you to our peer mentors for their commitment and care and to the staff who help co-ordinate this valuable programme.

During the lesson, pupils worked through a range of key practical skills. They prepared and seasoned the lamb mince, shaped the koftas and ensured they were cooked thoroughly to a safe temperature of 75°C. They also made naan bread dough from scratch and created a refreshing tzatziki using fresh ingredients.

The session ended with a focus on presentation, with pupils proudly plating up their creations. The classroom was filled with wonderful aromas and lots of proud smiles!

Well done to all involved for your hard work and professionalism in the kitchen.