A PRIMARY school has installed a new outdoor trail designed to foster a love of reading and storytelling.
Grands Vaux School recently launched its community story trail, aiming to bring families, students and visitors together and make reading visible, enjoyable and accessible for everyone in the local area.
The trail forms part of the UK-wide Year of Reading campaign, which was launched by the National Literacy Trust and the Department for Education to counteract the decline in reading for enjoyment.
The story trail is comprised of a series of ‘illustrated story stations’ along the footpath running through Grands Vaux estate, encouraging people of all ages to read and enjoy stories.
Speaking at the launch event, the school’s deputy headteacher Sam Noel said: “This story trail is about more than reading. It is about connection – linking our school with the wider community and celebrating the joy of stories together.
“Schools sit at the heart of their communities, and this project shows that learning does not stop at the classroom door. It reaches into our parks, streets, and shared spaces.”
This initiative comes following a community plan between Grands Vaux School, Every Child Our Future, and Andium Homes.
Mrs Noel added: “When I was a child, I remember sitting at home with a book that transported me completely to another world.
“That feeling of being lost in a story has stayed with me ever since. This trail gives everyone in our community the chance to experience that same magic.”
Grands Vaux School hopes that this initiative will inspire families to spend more time outdoors and build positive reading habits through sharing stories together and is inviting Islanders to take part and experience the trail, which is open now.
Mrs Noel added: “This is for everyone – families, neighbours, and visitors. We would love people to explore the trail, enjoy the stories, and share their experiences. Together, we can make reading something that connects us all.”
