A team of Watford school children came third in a national reading quiz competition.

Parmiter’s School said it was “proud” of its Year 7 pupils Maya, Heighlee, Emily, Ashleana and Heer (the team’s reserve) for their achievement.

Schools from across the country took part in the National Reading Champions Quiz final, which was held on June 6 at the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Hall in London.

Watford Observer: Parmiter's School reading quiz team in actionParmiter's School reading quiz team in action (Image: National Literacy Trust)

Throughout March, almost 500 UK teams competed over 22 heats, meaning that the team from Parmiter’s placed third out of 2,000 students who took part in the quiz, held by the National Literacy Trust.

The school said on its Twitter page: “Parmiter’s Year 7 have done us so proud coming 3rd in the finals of the @Literacy_Trust Reading Quiz at Goldsmiths Hall, London. Well done team Parmiter’s!”

 

To mark their achievement, the team returned home with book tokens and a certificate for each team member.

Every quiz finalist was given a selection of free books.

Students were able to choose from a diverse range of titles at the bookstall set up at the venue, empowering their love of reading by giving them the opportunity to pick books that really appealed to their passions and interests.

The event was held thanks to funding support from the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS).

Watford Observer: The event was held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London.The event was held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London. (Image: National Literacy Trust)

Barbara Hayes, CEO at ALCS, said: “Many congratulations to Parmiter’s School and all the students who participated!

“ALCS is so proud to sponsor the National Reading Champions Quiz for another year. We have been blown away by the knowledge and enthusiasm of all the students who took part.”

Well known children’s authors joined the event in person and held an insightful Q&A panel, including Anthony McGowan, Benjamin Dean, Jasbinder Bilan, and Jennifer Killick.

They talked about their inspiring reading experiences and celebrated the reading knowledge of the finalists.

Benjamin Dean said: “It has been the best day surrounded by kids who love to read – reading is magic, and you could really feel that being celebrated throughout the quiz.”

The competition was hosted by quizmaster, performer, and educator Mr Dilly, who provided an entertaining, as well as educational, experience for teams taking part.