At Falmouth School, we are committed to fostering a love of reading and broadening students’ horizons through daily exposure to high-quality literature. Our Tutor Time Reading Programme ensures that every student engages with carefully selected texts, read aloud by their tutor each day. Chosen by our expert English team, these books explore current topics, British values, and themes that reflect our students' personal interests. Through this programme, we aim to develop literacy, encourage thoughtful discussion, and inspire a lifelong passion for reading.
See below for some of the texts our students are currently exploring.
Our Year 7 students have access to a diverse selection of engaging books that introduce them to different perspectives, historical events, and thought-provoking dilemmas. This year, they will explore three exciting novels: When the Sky Falls, The London Eye Mystery, and The Accidental Prime Minister.
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When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle (2021) – Set in 1940, this gripping novel follows Joseph as he navigates life in a war-torn city, forming an unlikely bond with a silverback gorilla at a rundown zoo. As bombs fall, Joseph faces a difficult moral choice that will test his courage.
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The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd – When Ted and Kat’s cousin Salim disappears from a sealed pod on the London Eye, they must use all their detective skills to uncover the truth. This fast-paced mystery highlights the power of logic, perseverance, and sibling teamwork.
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The Accidental Prime Minister by Tom McLaughlin – When a schoolboy’s joke lands him in the role of Prime Minister, chaos ensues! This humorous and insightful book explores leadership, responsibility, and the power of young voices in shaping the future.
These texts have been carefully chosen to engage students, spark discussion, and inspire a love of reading.
Year 8
Our Year 8 students engage with a powerful selection of novels that explore adventure, identity, and resilience. This year, they will read Floodworld, When Secrets Set Sail, and My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, each offering compelling narratives and thought-provoking themes.
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FloodWorld by Tom Huddleston – In a future where rising sea levels have transformed cities into dangerous waterways, Kara and Joe stumble upon a secret that could change everything. As they are pursued by ruthless enemies, they must navigate a thrilling adventure filled with danger, betrayal, and unexpected alliances.
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When Secrets Set Sail by Sita Brahmachari – This touching novel follows Imtiaz and Usha, two girls from different backgrounds brought together in a mysterious old house. As they uncover hidden stories of migration and belonging, they must work together to protect their home and their shared history.
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My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher – Ten-year-old Jamie struggles to navigate his fractured family after the loss of his sister in a terrorist attack. As he builds an unlikely friendship with Sunya, a Muslim girl in his class, he begins to question the prejudices around him and find his own way forward.
These carefully selected books encourage empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Year 9
Year 9 students explore themes of survival, courage, and our connection to the world through three compelling novels: Exodus, The Kite Rider, and The Lost Whale. These stories take readers on journeys across time, cultures, and landscapes, sparking discussion and deepening understanding.
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Exodus by Julie Bertagna – In a future devastated by rising seas, 15-year-old Mara is forced to flee her drowning homeland. Seeking refuge in a towering city built for the privileged, she must fight for survival and question what kind of future humanity is building. This dystopian adventure explores climate change, power, and hope.
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The Kite Rider by Geraldine McCaughrean – Set in 13th-century China, this historical novel follows Haoyou, a boy who takes to the skies as a daring kite rider to earn money for his struggling family. As he journeys across the Mongol Empire, encountering danger and wonder, he must find the courage to shape his own destiny.
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The Lost Whale by Hannah Gold – When Rio is sent to live with his grandmother by the sea, he feels lost—until he befriends a young whale named White Beak. As he learns about the threats facing the ocean, Rio discovers the power of connection, resilience, and standing up for what he believes in.
These thought-provoking books encourage students to reflect on global issues, historical struggles, and the strength of the human spirit.
Year 10
Year 10 students engage with gripping, thought-provoking novels that explore power, identity, and resilience. This year, they will read Shadow and Bone, The Hunger Games, and Boys Don’t Cry, each offering compelling narratives that challenge perspectives and spark discussion.
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Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo – In a world divided by darkness, orphan Alina Starkov discovers a hidden power that could change everything. As she is thrust into the magical elite and trained by the mysterious Darkling, she must navigate power, deception, and her own destiny in this thrilling fantasy adventure.
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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – Set in a dystopian future, Katniss Everdeen is forced to fight for survival in a brutal televised competition. With themes of oppression, rebellion, and sacrifice, this novel explores the consequences of power and the strength of the human spirit.
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Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman – When 17-year-old Dante’s ex-girlfriend leaves him with a baby he never knew he had, his life is turned upside down. As he learns to navigate fatherhood, relationships, and societal expectations, this powerful novel challenges stereotypes and explores themes of responsibility, love, and masculinity.
These books have been carefully chosen to engage students with complex themes, encourage critical thinking, and inspire meaningful discussions.