Students celebrated books, music and storytelling with a special Dolly Day as part of the National Year of Reading.
Dolly Parton songs played in the Gobowen Student Union as students chose a free book to take home. At Telford and Ludlow, students chose books for one another, thoughtfully matching each title to its recipient.
The celebration recognised Dolly Parton’s contribution to literacy through her Imagination Library, which gifts books to children and encourages a lifelong love of reading. Her passion for books and talent for storytelling through music made her a fitting inspiration for a day that showed reading can be fun and social.
There was something for every interest. Dan, who is taking driving lessons, chose a copy of The Highway Code, while keen footballer Lydia picked a football annual. Staff joined in too: Functional Skills teacher Grace selected Great Women in History, and PSHE teacher Paul opted for Roald Dahl’s The BFG (Big Friendly Giant).
Go All In on reading
The event is part of our National Year of Reading celebrations, led by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust. The campaign encourages everyone to Go All In on reading and highlights the role literacy plays in learning, work, independence and everyday life.
As well as being enjoyable, reading is an important part of everyday life at College. It supports students as they develop practical independence skills such as cooking, laundry and housekeeping, as well as helping them understand information, follow instructions and carry out tasks at work with confidence.
Dolly Day gave students across all three campuses an enjoyable way to explore reading and discover books linked to their interests.
Dolly Day also launched the College’s new poetry competition ahead of National Poetry Day on 1 October. Students are invited to follow Dolly’s example as a storyteller by writing about their own lives and the people, places and experiences that matter to them. Entries will be judged by local poet and Functional Skills English Industry Champion Jan Hedger.
Leah Bamford, Functional Skills & Digital Skills Coordinator, said: “Dolly told stories about her life, and we would like our students to do the same. Let’s get writing!”