Reading empowers
Parents often pose a challenging question: What is it that successful students do? The answer is not a simple one. Despite years of observing successful students, in a variety of contexts, the answer inevitably is clouded in characteristics such as intellect, work ethic, and passion – all of which, I might add, are malleable to some extent. However, something that has always struck me as a common denominator for success in schools is the ability to read broadly and deeply.
Many years ago, I invited the late author and businessman Sir Robert (Bob) Jones to speak to my History students on the importance of a liberal education. While he may not be everyone’s cup of tea, he was an engaging speaker who challenged our students to think beyond themselves. Throughout his colourful talk, which covered wide-ranging experiences in business, travelling, boxing, and politics, he kept coming back to what he believed to be most important in developing critical thought – reading. In fact, Sir Robert placed so much emphasis on reading that he pointed out that whenever he interviewed aspiring candidates to senior roles in his company, he would question their reading habits.
I believe that an ability to read deeply and broadly provides our boys with an opportunity to learn anything they desire. It allows for freedom of thought, and it can instil curiosity in the world beyond themselves. As a proud educational institution our focus is for boys to enjoy their learning experience at College so that they may leave our gates as pursuers of lifelong learning. Continuous reading allows for continuous education.
I have little doubt that a key gift a parent can give to their child’s schooling and future prospects is the ability to develop early reading habits and instil the notion of reading for pleasure.
OECD research shows that reading for pleasure is a more important influence than socio-economic background and that children who read for pleasure have a one-and-a-half-year advantage over their peers.
Some advocates for reading will suggest that it does not matter what our boys read as long as they are reading and enjoying the process. I agree with this statement to a point. However, quality literature is critical as it develops sustained thinking and expands our cultural and social awareness.
Reading is a gift. It is the difference between the educated and the uneducated and, as Stephen Covey stated, “the person who doesn't read is no better off than the person who can’t read”.
Giving Day – Thursday 12 June
At Christ’s College, our goal is to realise the full potential of each boy. This year we aim to support these aspirations on Giving Day by raising money to boost our scholarship funds.
On Giving Day, we are asking our community – for one day only – to contribute to our scholarships for those talented boys who aspire to step through the College gates but need support to start their journey.
Giving Day will be held on Thursday 12 June, when your gift will be worth three times as much. I encourage you to support more boys to come to College so that they, too, can become those great leaders and achievers who make their mark in the world.
If you want to support us on the day, please join us to help reach out to our community with a simple phone call. You can sign up to join our volunteers on the day or contact Senior Development Manager Shelley Keach at skeach@christscollege.com or 027 8070539.
We look forward to uniting to make a difference to benefit more boys at Christ’s College.
Read on
