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A picture book is classed as one in which a narrative is combined with a visual element. This can take the form of wordless storybooks to graphic novels. Traditionally, there has been an assumption that these books are primarily geared towards younger readers, but increasingly, teachers and parents are seeing the benefit to academic attainment, mental wellbeing and inspiring reluctant readers to engage and take joy from reading for all aged children. And indeed, for adults. 

There are two high-frequency themes that arise in the engagement of parents/guardians in the development of reading at home: reaching those that you really, really want to reach; and moving others away from thinking that listening to their child read more challenging words is the goal. This latter has a related issue: once the child can read independently, there can be a perception that no more parent-level engagement is required – and we’ll come back to that.

Who do we see in the imagined worlds of literature – do we see ourselves, and do we see others? 

Today (10 August 2021), more than 230,000 students receive results for their Level 3 BTEC qualifications, moving on to the next step in their education or career path.  More than 6 million BTEC qualifications have been awarded in the last ten years alone, and BTEC alumni have gone on to form a vital part of the UK and global workforce.

Dear Learner 

Huge congratulations to all of you who will be receiving your results this week. Over the last eighteen months you will have heard the word ‘unprecedented’ repeated regularly and, through these extraordinary times, I have been in awe of the resilience, fortitude, agility and determination of you all as you’ve faced the challenges and new landscape of learning head on. 

Today, twelve organisations that represent and support staff and students in schools, colleges and universities have written to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson urging him to reconsider restricting students’ choice of qualifications at the age of 16.