Our first ever Book Tasting was a huge success here at the academies. Students were given the opportunity to sign-up with their tutors to attend the event across KS3. As students entered our studio, tables were set with checked tablecloths, placemats for the GW Cafe, as well as table centres and a range of fantastic reads. This immersive and creative experience enabled students to 'taste' up to three different books, as they circulated around restaurant styled tables. Pupils were given menus in order to review each course. Students were served a starter, main and dessert in the form of books from our brilliant in-house library. A range of dishes were available to try, from history to fantasy, comedy to adventure! To finish off the meal, students were given reflection napkins. This gave all diners the chance to share their feedback and state which books they enjoyed reading the most and may return to.
Book Tastings offer learners the opportunity to trial different styles and genres of reading material. This in turn makes less confident readers more able to find suitable reading from our library and become more engaged and avid readers at home. We would like to thank all students who got involved in the tasting for giving the event a go and for their kind feedback. Since the event, we have selected winners for our best handed-in menu's. When reviewing these, we were looking for the best critiques of courses and self-reflections. A huge congratulations to Tom Smith-Muir and Mia Pittwood for their excellent work during the tasting and for winning the Amazon Gift Vouchers.