On 6 November an Oxford-based charity held a very special event at St John’s College. St John’s has been a longstanding supporter of Reading Quest and their ‘graduation’ ceremony at the College was for the very special children aged 6-9 who have completed the Reading Quest course, and have succeeded in overcoming difficulties in learning to read. The children and their families come from the most diverse sections of the local community, many of whom speak English as an additional language.
The College’s auditorium was filled as ‘Winnie the Witch’ author and illustrator Korky Paul presented each ‘Quester’ with a certificate and prize. Many of the children also starred in the Reading Quest film that was also shown. Alumnus “Juggling John” did a great job of keeping everyone entertained and amused.
Alistair Lomax, Director of Reading Quest, said: “The graduation was inspiring for these children as the first public recognition of their academic achievement.”
Professor Kate Nation, Tutorial Fellow in Psychology at St John’s, said: “We are delighted to be working with Reading Quest in a way that is so relevant to the community, as well as to my own research interests”.
Over the past 13 years 3,500 children in 96 schools in Oxfordshire have been helped by 375 Reading Quest tutors. Congratulations to all Questers who graduated.
