Senior school library news – June 2025

Primary transition

The transition from primary to secondary is a huge time of change for pupils, even for those of our pupils moving from junior to senior school. It’s widely believed that when pupils move from primary to secondary school, they lose interest in reading and go through a ‘transition slump’ that some never recover from. The good news is, the research doesn’t really back this up (see, for example, the Reading and Vocabulary Project), and it’s certainly not inevitable. In fact, books can provide a gentle, reassuring and consistent presence for pupils when everything around them seems to be changing.

To help pupils maintain their love of reading in senior school, Third Form will have regular timetabled lessons in the library where they can enjoy uninterrupted reading time with no distractions. There are thousands of books available for pupils to choose from and new titles are added regularly. The jump to such a large library can feel exciting, but also daunting too, so there is always a helping hand to find that next great read. Mr Halpin and the English teachers will chat to all pupils about their books and offer personal recommendations.

The way we talk to children about books can be instrumental in keeping that reading habit alive. As children get older and are no longer read to, it can be easy to fall out of talking about books and sharing a love of stories and reading. Asking children about what they’re reading and talking about what you’re reading too can be a wonderful way to connect and speak positively about books. Perhaps you could even read the same book and then share your experiences. It’s also very important that we don’t subtly suggest that reading is only for primary school or that we expect they will grow out of it. Saying things like “I don’t suppose you have much time for reading these days” can actually imply that we expect children to leave reading behind and replace it with more ‘grown up’ pursuits.

As children get older it can be hard to keep up with the kind of books pupils might be interested in. Perhaps you have concerns that you might suggest something that’s too ‘young’ for a child or you’re worried that you’re recommending a book that they’re not ready for. If you’re ever not sure about a book, please do contact Mr Halpin, as he’s probably read it and always loves a conversation about books!

It can sometimes help to have an extra motivation to challenge yourself, so we’re running the Exeter School Summer Reading Challenge again this year. All U2 pupils were given a Summer Reading Challenge entry form on the New Pupils afternoon, and you can download a copy here.

Struggling to find time to read? Look back at our last newsletter for some tips from Exeter School families about how to make time for reading.

Here are some of our recommendations for books to read the summer before starting secondary school. 

Click here to see a longer list on the library app

Carnegie Roundup

The Carnegie Medal is the UK’s most prestigious children’s book award. Every year a group of pupils read the shortlist and take part in a weekly lunchtime discussion. This year we had enough pupils taking part to have two shadowing groups, which is a sign the strength of the reading culture at school.

The pupils could vote for the best books, and were split between four favourites, The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss, The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow, Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald and King of Nothing by Nathaneal Lessore.

The winning book, chosen by a panel of judges, was Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald (announced on a very hot day with a Shirt Sleeves Order!).

Keep reading over the summer

Summer Reading Challenge

We’re running our Summer Reading Challenge for the second time this summer holiday. It’s very simple: read six different books from six different genres over the summer and be awarded with a certificate and small prize in September. Library loan limits have been increased for holiday lending and we’re more than happy to give recommendations. Pick up a summer reading challenge from the library, or download it from the library web app.

  Click here to find out about the Summer Reading Challenge

If you’re stuck for ideas for your next book, have a look at March’s Library newsletter for tips on how to choose a book, a fun quiz to find out what kind of reader you are and also some tips on making time for reading.

Don’t forget to pack a book!

We work hard to keep pupils reading during term time with regular reading lessons, book chats and recommendations, but with all the excitement of the holidays and changes of routine, reading time can sometimes slip. One trick to keeping up reading over the summer is to make the most of the in-between times. Try packing a book for those hours waiting for trains, planes and connections or choose a great audiobook for a long car journey. Books can work wonders as a cure for boredom or as a salve for overexcitement. By making sure you always pack a book, you can make the most of that spare time and find there’s still lots of opportunity for reading over the summer.

Did you know that Devon public libraries lend e-audiobooks? Perfect for ‘reading’ on the go: click here to find out more.

Beyond the summer: Literature Festivals

In the library we see how inspiring it can be for pupils to hear authors talk about books and writing – it’s a great way to bring books to life. We are very lucky to live in the Southwest and be part of such a vibrant literary scene that blooms in September each year with lots of book festivals. If you’re happy to travel, Bath Children’s Literature Festival (26 September – 5 October) is superb. It welcomes some of the biggest children’s authors writing today and has lots of workshops to get involved with. Tickets go on sale very soon.

More locally, it’s worth checking out the vibrant Appledore Book Festival from 12-21September and also the Budleigh Salterton Literature Festival from 17-21 September. Though primarily for adults, there are always lots of child and teen friendly workshops and events and can make for a super day out.

New books we’re excited about

Still stuck for ideas? Here are some of our favourite new books:

Goodbye to Mrs Rich

Finally, after recommending hundreds of books, designing incredibly imaginative displays, leading fun and creative lunchtime clubs and coaching scores of sixth formers in EPQ research methods, our library assistant, Mrs Rich, will be leaving Exeter School at the end of term. Mrs Rich has been a real asset to the school library, and will be greatly missed, not least by the pupils she spent time with, the team of pupil librarians who have got to know her so well, and Mr Halpin.