Gatcombe Park Primary School's new vending machine to meet children’s appetite for reading

Named the Imagination Station, the vending machine, which normally dispenses crisps and chocolate, has been adapted to dispatch reading books. The pupils purchase a book with a ‘gold coin’ which is awarded to children who have been nominated for following the schools values of Respect, Teamwork and Aim High.

Gatcombe Park Primary School decided to officially unveil the station to tie in with World Book Day.

Year 6 pupil, Georgie Palmer, 10, said: ‘The machine was undercover and I thought it was just another book shelf. It was really exciting when the Imagination Station was revealed.’

Fellow pupil. Bethany Strutt, nine, added: ‘It’s much more exciting to get books from the Imagination Station. I was really surprised to find out I was one of the first three students to be awarded a gold coin – my class gave me a round of applause.’

The recycled books have been provided by the school library and staff donations, with pupils able to contribute by exchanging their old books once finished.

Zachary Howard, six, said: ‘I chose the Burger Boy because I like eating burgers. I find reading fun.’

Georgie, who was dressed as a mad scientist for World Book Day, added: ‘I chose Fat Lawrence as I liked the picture of the fat cat and I also have a teacher called Mr Lawrence.’

The school decided to hire and adapt the vending machine as a way of grasping the children’s imagination and further promoting reading across the school. They have also created a ‘cosy reading area’ next to the station.

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Deputy headteacher, Debs Ogles, said: ‘As far as I know we are the first school in Portsmouth to have a book vending machine. It’s just something a bit different to get the children’s attention. The children have all been very excited since it was unveiled.

‘The aim is that all children will at some point be awarded a gold coin and get the chance to obtain a new book.’

For Mrs Ogles, developing children’s love of reading is fundamental to their future academic success.

‘Our aim is for every child to be a fluent reader. Reading is essential for children to be able to access everything,’ she said.

It’s a sentiment shared by Bethany who said: ‘Reading is really important to expand your vocabulary to access all subjects.’