Pool Academy’s Starbooks Café: A Cosy Spot to Inspire Young Readers

Hot chocolate, books, and blankets create the perfect reading atmosphere

This winter, Pool Academy has launched a new reading café, ‘Starbooks’, to encourage students to embrace the joys of reading. Part of the Athena Learning Trust, the school has transformed a cosy space where pupils can curl up with a book under blankets while enjoying a hot drink.

A Space for Reading and Connection

Starbooks, which opened this term, offers more than just a warm retreat from the cold. Students can read, discuss books with peers and teachers, and even share stories by reading aloud to one another. The café is managed by Miss Smith and is open every Tuesday after school from 3pm to 4pm.

Since its opening in November, the café has become a weekly highlight for students. In the run-up to Christmas, Miss Smith plans to read Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to attendees, adding a festive touch to the sessions.

Building a Love for Reading

The initiative aligns with Pool Academy’s focus on improving literacy and fostering a love for reading. The school supports students with book knowledge and strategies to enhance reading comprehension and inference skills. Each week, tutors also deliver a ‘Read Aloud’ programme during tutor time.

Nick Ward, Principal at Pool Academy, highlighted the wider benefits of reading:

“When a child reads for pleasure, talks about reading or does an activity linked to reading, it can lead to improved health and wellbeing as well as increased empathy, creativity and communication skills. There are further academic benefits, such as improved critical thinking, concentration, general knowledge and ability to understand curriculum texts.

“Whether a student is already a bookworm who has lots of books that they’re desperate to bring along; or they haven’t found the right book yet, I hope that the new Starbooks cafe will encourage everyone to read more. After all, the world belongs to those who read!”

Core Values at the Heart of Pool Academy

Pool Academy is committed to fostering aspiration, belonging, and respect in all its students. These values are reflected in both the high expectations for student conduct and the initiatives like Starbooks that promote personal development.

According to Ofsted inspectors, Pool Academy provides strong pastoral support, ensuring pupils feel safe and start their day positively. The school’s well-planned curriculum is delivered in calm, quiet classrooms, further creating an environment where students can thrive.

For more information about Pool Academy, visit their website or contact the school directly.