Reading at The George Eliot School

The Reading Challenge

Reading is the gateway to every subject in school, but more than that, it is the gateway to a world of imagination, learning, growth and experience.

Without an excellent standard of literacy, it is proven that students struggle to access lessons, curriculum and exams but more importantly, they are missing out on a whole world of incredible stories, and fascinating characters.

That is why we at The George Eliot School encourage all students (and staff!) to take part in the reading challenge: to read 50 of the best books ever written before you leave in year 11.

Will you make it on to our Wall of Excellence?

10 books read? – Bronze award

25 books read? – Silver award

50 books read? – Gold award

George Eliot – (Mary Ann Evans)

Mary Ann Evans (George Eliot) is arguably Nuneaton’s most famous success story.

She was one of the Victorian era’s most popular writers. She acted as a pioneer and helped to carve a path for the female writers who followed her. 

We are incredibly proud to be named after one of the most influential writers of all time.

I opened a book and in I strode

Now nobody can find me.

I’ve left my chair, my house, my road,

My town and my world behind me.

I’m wearing the cloak, I’ve slipped on the ring,

I’ve swallowed the magic potion.

I’ve fought with a dragon, dined with a king

And dived in a bottomless ocean.

I opened a book and made some friends.

I shared their tears and laughter

And followed their road with its bumps and bends

To the happily ever after.

I finished my book and out I came.

The cloak can no longer hide me.

My chair and my house are just the same,

But I have a book inside me.

I opened a book, by Julia Donaldson