The Bedford College Group brings education leaders together for BIG50 Book Festival roundtable

The Bedford College Group welcomed senior leaders from education, local government and community organisations to a roundtable discussion as part of the first BIG50 Book Festival, which ran across North Northamptonshire from 16 to 23 October.

Hosted at The Corby Sixth Form on Friday 23 October, the discussion brought together representatives from education, the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) and North Northamptonshire Council to discuss how reading and literacy can create more opportunities for people across the area.

The roundtable was one of many free events organised during the festival, which celebrated reading, storytelling and creativity, with Tresham College and The Corby Sixth Form staff and students playing an active role throughout the festival.

Working in partnership with North Northamptonshire Council, students from Tresham College and The Corby Sixth Form, both part of The Bedford College Group, took part in reading activities at local schools and community centres, sharing stories and inspiring young readers and promote a love of books.

The festival featured activities in Corby, Kettering, Rushden, Wellingborough, Oundle and Irthlingborough, including storytelling sessions, creative writing workshops, author talks and activities for families with young children.

Dr Robin Webber-Jones, Deputy CEO and Executive Director of Curriculum at The Bedford College Group, said: "We all know how important reading is, but the challenge is encouraging more people to engage with it, whatever their age or background.

"The roundtable gave us an opportunity to share ideas, look at what's already working and identify where we can do more together.

"Bringing schools, colleges, the council and other organisations together helped create valuable conversations about how we can continue to support literacy across North Northamptonshire.

Kathryn Brindley Edwards, Principal of The Bedford Sixth Form and The Corby Sixth Form, said: “What's been particularly lovely about the festival is seeing our students getting involved in local communities beyond the classroom.

“Reading to children may seem like a small gesture, but it can help bring stories to life and inspire a lifelong love of reading. For our students, it's been a chance to build confidence, try something different, meet people and put themselves forward.

“The festival has shown how colleges can play an active role in supporting their communities and creating opportunities for people of all ages.”

For more information about the BIG50 initiative, visit https://big50vision.co.uk/