Promoting reading through engagement at HMP Lindholme

The learning academy at HMP Lindholme have been promoting reading through various groups and activities, aimed to engage more learners in reading. 

Reading Group 

During May, the education department at HMP Lindholme launched a new reading group. Open to learners from all classes, this group meets for an hour each week to read and discuss various types of written media.

The group began with newspapers, printed online articles and short stories. The group have recently progressed onto reading their first novel, Thursday Murder Club, a popular book by Richard Osman. The reading group consists of a diverse range of participants, from Entry Level 3 English learners to Open University students. This diversity has created a supportive environment where learners help each other with spelling and comprehension challenges. 

This peer support not only enhances the learning experience but also adopts a sense of community amonst the learners who are participating. To extend the support, the English team are planning a lower-level reading session aimed at engaging hard-to-reach learners, with the hope of inspiring a love for reading amongst them. 

40th Anniversary Miner's Strike activities to further engage learners

Additionally, the education department collaborated with the library to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Miner's strike. The team organised various activities to engage learners in the significant historical event. 

A collage of art, created using contemporary and modern techniques, was displayed in the library. The Welding department contributed by crafting a replica winding gear, while English functional skills classes produced newspapers and written accounts reflecting on the Miner's strikes. 

Taking part in activities like this, not only enhance learner's historical awareness but also engages learners through literacy and art. 

Debate Club

Beyond the reading group and enrichment activities, in collaboration with the learning and skills manager, the English department set up its first debate club. The club focuses on various topical issues, with last months topic being based on the Votes for Prisoners material with the subject ‘Would you feel comfortable talking about your mental health?’

Learners from various different backgrounds were encouraged to participate, where they engaged in an enthusiastic, professional and eloquent debate. The session was recorded and made available on learner’s laptops, allowing everyone in the establishment to watch and benefit from the discussion.

The groups and activities mentioned aim to enhance literacy, critical thinking and a culture of open discussion amongst learners. By encouraging a supportive and engaging learning environment, we hope to inspire a lifelong love of learning and reading.

To read more about the ways in which we engage learners in education, take a look at our news section.