Stoke High School has celebrated the premiere of a powerful new short film created with Suffolk Community Libraries and Suffolk County Council to mark the National Year of Reading.
Fifteen students from Years 7 to 10 starred in the film, showcasing their love of reading, library experiences and the impact of Stoke High School’s innovative Peer Readers programme, which pairs younger and older pupils for regular reading sessions.
The film captures real student voices, with pupils discussing favourite books, reading habits and honest reflections on why some young people struggle to read for enjoyment. It also features one-to-one reading sessions from the Peer Readers programme, alongside striking on-screen messages highlighting national literacy data and the life-changing importance of reading.
Filming gave students a rare behind-the-scenes experience of professional production, working closely with a local film crew who explained lighting, sound and direction. Students were fascinated by the process, discovering just how much work goes into producing a film.
The project also involved pupils from Hillside Primary School, helping to strengthen links across the local education community and celebrate reading as a shared priority.
Stoke High School is one of only three schools in Suffolk operating as a branch of Suffolk Community Libraries, placing literacy at the heart of both school and community life.
The film supports a wider programme of reading initiatives at Stoke High School this year, including the school’s book pledge, which encourages students to read for 20 minutes a day, an overdue book amnesty, free replacement library cards, author visits from James Campbell and Harriet Howe, a book bingo challenge and creative workshops.
Karen Baldwin, Principal at Stoke High School, said: “This has been an incredible experience for our students. They haven’t just taken part in a film – they’ve shared their voices, stories and passion for reading. Our Peer Readers programme is transforming attitudes to reading, and it’s brilliant to see that recognised in such a creative and meaningful way.”