One-to-One Reading Programme at OIC Brighton Builds Confidence, Connection and a Love of Reading

We are delighted to share a positive update from our One-to-One Reading Programme at OIC Brighton, which has continued to make a meaningful impact across the college community over the past two terms. 

As the programme draws to a close for the year, many mentees have written thoughtful messages to thank their mentors for the support, encouragement and time they have given. It has been especially encouraging to see so many students express a strong desire to continue reading and to be paired with their mentor again next year. 

For students at OIC Brighton, the programme offers more than reading support. It helps build confidence, strengthen communication skills and create meaningful connections across year groups. 

Peer Mentoring That Supports Reading Confidence 

Our student mentors have embraced the responsibility of promoting reading with enthusiasm and care. 

Through regular one-to-one sessions, they have created supportive and welcoming spaces where younger pupils feel confident to read, ask questions and make mistakes. This kind of peer mentoring helps students grow at their own pace while developing trust, independence and self-belief. 

The programme has also played an important role in strengthening relationships across the college, reinforcing the sense of belonging that is central to life at OIC Brighton. 

Developing Vocabulary, Knowledge and Communication Skills 

Reading is a powerful way for students to expand vocabulary, improve general knowledge and strengthen communication skills. 

Feedback from mentors has been overwhelmingly positive. Many spoke about how much they enjoyed “supporting a younger pupil” and “providing a safe space to read and make mistakes”. Others highlighted the satisfaction of helping students improve vocabulary and general knowledge. 

Some mentors even reflected that the experience made them “feel inspirational”, underlining the mutual benefits of the programme. Mentees gained confidence through reading, while mentors developed empathy, leadership and a deeper sense of responsibility. 

Creating a Supportive Reading Culture at OIC Brighton 

The programme has benefited greatly from the support of Veronika, who has been instrumental in helping students select books they genuinely enjoy and in ensuring sessions run smoothly and consistently. 

Finding the right book can make a significant difference to a student’s confidence and motivation. By guiding students towards engaging choices, the programme has helped make reading feel enjoyable, personal and purposeful. 

Student Leadership Beyond the Classroom 

At OIC Brighton, student development extends beyond academic excellence. The One-to-One Reading Programme is a strong example of how students can support one another while developing important life skills. 

Mentors have shown patience, kindness and leadership, while mentees have grown in confidence through regular encouragement and individual attention. Together, they have helped nurture a culture of reading, connection and community across the college. 

We are already looking forward to seeing this progress continue next year, as returning and new mentors build on the success of the programme.