What is the one thing that encourages students to read, more than any other?

Ghost stories, tales of the supernatural, and ultimately what we might call spooky stories, can all be exciting and interesting to many secondary school readers.

But, of course, not every young student enjoys such work – and none of us wishes to give a little bit of a fright to students who have no desire to receive even a little jolt.

Which is why no one would ever suggest that such works – even when they are classics – should be made compulsory reading for every secondary school student.

However, they are part of our heritage, and there have, over the years, been many students who have started the journey into reading fiction as a regular activity through the works of authors such as Edgar Allen Poe, HP Lovecraft or indeed Sheridan Le Fanu.

Which is why we have put together a collection of some 30 books from the English gothic tradition, all written by literary masters, from Edith Wharton to Wilkie Collins.

Our works include reprints of these classics from as little as £2.25 each, (after deducting our 25% school discount), with no delivery charge and no minimum order.

If you would like to see our full list of classic ghost stories, weird tales, and intriguing, outlandish mysteries please click here.

Some schools take these volumes and put them in the school library, while others have copies under the direct control of the English teaching staff, so that young students can be advised as to what they will be reading, before they borrow any such book.

But of one thing there can be no doubt.  Tens of thousands (perhaps hundreds of thousands, perhaps even more) of young people have found their way to becoming regular readers through discovering these classics.

In case you have not come across Wordsworth Editions before we are able to supply a free copy of one of our titles upon request.  Please write to us, without any obligation, at education@wordsworth-editions.com with your name and the school address, and we’ll put it in the post to you with our compliments.

Alternatively to see what’s new in our list of classic books at the lowest possible prices please click here.  If you have any enquiries, please email us at education@wordsworth-editions.com.

What is the most effective and straightforward way of giving students an enhanced sense of self-esteem? 

In recent years it has become increasingly clear that self-esteem is a key issue in determining progress at school. Generally speaking, the more self-esteem a student has, the more positive the individual feels about her/his life.

And as a result of this enhanced self-esteem, the more the individual develops and enhances her/his abilities.

There are of course many ways of enhancing self-esteem, but one approach that is particularly effective, and indeed comparatively easy to establish with a very low cost base, is singing in an ensemble.

This in itself can, of course, be achieved through simply singing in a school choir.  But when the school takes part in a national exhibition of singing, and the pupils and students perform alongside 5,000 others from schools across the country, the results can be extraordinary.

For many such an experience is the start of a revolution in the way that they see the world and perceive their place within it. Increased levels of engagement with and enjoyment of school work inevitably follow.

It was to encourage this sort of experience and development that we established “Voice in a million” 10 years ago. It gives an opportunity for all participants to come together united in song to perform in front of their own family, friends, and a sizeable audience.  It has been billed as The World’s most spectacular school concert’

2400 schools and in excess of 110,000 children have taken part in our previous concerts and in 2020, 350 schools and 15,000 more children will again experience Voice in a Million at Wembley on the 17th, 18th and 19th March.

The cost is only £12.50 per participant.  We supply all the rehearsal materials, plus the concert t-shirt for each individual to wear and keep as a souvenir.

What’s more, for those who join us each year Voice in a Million acts as an inspirational event that can change their perceptions both of themselves and of the world around them.

You can find out more about Voice and a Million, read our testimonials from parents and teachers,  and get all the detail, on our website.

Or for more information you can call 01932 859667 or email team@voiceinamillion.com

Organise or join a cluster to add at least £12,000 to your school’s training budget

The new TrailBlazer group has now been set up to develop government funded training for SENCOs, Teachers, Teaching Assistants and School Nurses to become registered Play Therapists.  90% of the total cost (estimated at £12,000 over a two year period) will be provided for training at level 7 (Post Graduate) once the proposed scheme is fully developed.

At the recent inaugural meeting nearly 100 primary schools were represented.  There’s capacity for another 200 organised into clusters of 14 – 20 schools each.

The training will meet:

  • The new Ofsted inspection requirements coming into force this September;
  • registration on the Professional Standard Authority’s Accredited Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists;
  • the principles of the new Mental Health Charter, being put forward as a blueprint for the reform of the 1983 Mental Health Act https://childmentalhealthcharter.com/

This is a marvellous opportunity to provide therapeutic support for your pupils with social, emotional, behaviour and mental health issues.  Much reduced waiting lists for CAHMS, better than just a Mental Health Lead, excellent career progression for one or two staff members.

Find out more: jefferyht@majemail.com

Yours sincerely

Jeff Thomas

Secretariat:  Play Therapist TrailBlazer Apprenticeship Group