Reading
FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS!
With the Winter holidays fast approaching, the English department at HGSS has put together a reading list for our students. We know there will be a huge amount to keep them entertained over the festive period but it’s also really important for them to keep up their reading over school holidays to improve their language development and analytical skills.
As with our Easter and Summer reading list, the stories, poems, and articles below aren’t just for your children—they’re for the whole family! We’ve seen amazing things happen when families read and discuss writing together, as it takes ownership off the children and makes it a group activity rather than an individual task. The only difference to previous lists is that this one has a winter theme to enjoy on the cold nights at the end of the year.
We’d love for you to select one of the links below, read it together as a family, and then chat it through as a group. Even discussing one poem as a collective could have a massive impact on your child’s development and engagement with the English language.
GHOST STORIES - A true Winter tradition
1. The Canterville Ghost – Oscar Wilde
Why: A fun, witty ghost story suitable for all ages 11–18.
2. The Signal-Man – Charles Dickens
Why: A chilling short story with a mysterious winter atmosphere.
WINTER TALES - For cold nights with hot chocolate
3. The Snow Queen – Hans Christian Andersen
Why: A magical winter quest suitable for ages 11–16.
4. The Blue Carbuncle (Sherlock Holmes) – Arthur Conan Doyle
Why: A winter-set detective mystery perfect for KS3 & KS4.
POETRY - Wintry verse
5. Stopping by woods on a snowy evening - Robert Frost
Why: A poem that reflects on life in the quiet of the snow
6. Journey of the Magi - T S Elliot
Why: A modernist poem reflecting on spiritual transformation
ARTICLES & ESSAYS (Reflective / Seasonal)
7. Teenagers are presenting Christmas wishlists, Powerpoint‑style
Why: A playful, up‑to‑date look at how teens today are reshaping a traditional Christmas activity — turning wishlists into digital slide shows and reflecting how social media trends influence festive practices.
8. Misrule and martyrs: 10 dark midwinter traditions
Why: A fascinating exploration of how ancient winter rites and folklore contrast with our current festive celebrations, providing cultural and historical context that resonates with ghostly and winter themes.
At HGSS, we pride ourselves on being a reading school. We believe that reading is fundamental to both academic success and emotional wellbeing. Our approach prioritises the development of strong reading skills (reading for purpose) alongside a deep enjoyment of literature, ensuring that students become confident, capable readers for life (reading for pleasure). We foster a love for reading by creating a culture where books are valued, discussed, and enjoyed. By balancing skill development with the joy of discovery, we empower our students to thrive both academically and personally.
Please explore further by following these links: