Skills Development through Reading Initiative and a visit from the Author

Our Level 1 and Level 2 Skills Development learners have spent five weeks taking part in a new reading initiative designed to build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and encourage reading for pleasure which is a key priority at the college, supporting both wellbeing and academic success. As part of their weekly one‑hour Skills Development session, students explored The 392 by Ashley Hickson‑Lovence, reading three chapters each week and taking part in bookclub style discussions.

Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many learners expressed pride in keeping up with the reading and contributing to structured discussions that supported comprehension, critical thinking, and communication skills.

This initiative formed an important part of the college’s focus on improving literacy and building cultural capital—particularly for learners who may not have had previous opportunities to engage with contemporary fiction. For several hundred students, The 392 became the first full book they had read outside of the GCSE English curriculum, marking a significant milestone in their personal development.

#H6 Health & Social care student Fardowsa  “It was really good...i liked the way the author never gave up.”

#H6 Criminology, Law & Psychology student Kaley

 “It was inspiring and emotional.” 

Upon completing the novel, students wrote reviews reflecting on the story, themes, and character perspectives and shared them with the author.

This week #H6 welcomed Ashley Hickson‑Lovence, who met the learners, discussed his inspirations, and listened to their responses to his work. He also spoke with A‑level Literature students, providing valuable insights into creative writing and the process of crafting contemporary fiction.

Our Director for Teaching and Learning, Toby Walsh spearheaded this initiative and collaborated closely English team to design this project, ensuring activities supported vocabulary development, comprehension, discussion skills, and overall learner confidence.

Author Ashley Hickson‑Lovence said;

 “Spending time with you today has been so powerful. the students have engaged in a way that I can only dream of. its really important to me, especially because its the governments year of reading, that young people see themselves in literature and this is part of that conversation, I hope."

Following the success of this pilot, #H6 plans to expand the reading initiative across further courses and introduce additional contemporary texts.

APPLICATIONS

Applications for September 2026 are open - Apply Now on our website! 

Here is more information about our courses! 

Keep up to date by following us

• X - @Haringey6thForm
• Instagram - @Haringey6thForm