A group of eager readers from Years 7 and 8 have been putting their love of literature to good use.

Under the direction of Miss Tyler, Teaching Assistant in the Personalised Learning Centre, they are taking part in the Silver Stories scheme, in which they read aloud to senior citizens over the phone.

Each ‘Silver Reader’ is matched with a ‘Silver Listener’, and every week they hold a conversation during which they read a short story or poem. The benefits for everyone involved are tremendous – pupils improve their literacy and public-speaking skills, while the older listeners make invaluable cross-generational connections.

Miss Tyler’s involvement in the charity began when she was working at St Joseph’s in the Park in Hertingfordbury. Two of her pupils, Alexandra H and Ruby B, travelled to Cornwall to meet their listeners face-to-face, and even had a surprise opportunity to meet The Queen Consort (then HRH the Duchess of Cornwall). A BBC camera crew captured the special event on film.

Miss Tyler (left) with Alexandra H and her Silver Listener Joyce, July 2022. Photograph: InYourArea

Alexandra and Ruby have carried on with the scheme now they are in Year 7 at Queenswood, and have been joined by Meg C (Year 7) and Emmy C, Gabriella A, Maddie B and Arabella M (all Year 8).