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Reach Out does Key Skills Reading, Writing and Speaking 2019

This event was open to children of all abilities with the aim to develop communication; encourage group discussion and team work; as well as promote listening and sharing.

Following some ice breaker activities, children were put into mixed teams for a Trading Game. Each new team had to use resources provided to create as many neatly cut-out shapes as possible that could be handed in for cash to the Banker. Some teams struggled understanding how to complete the task without the necessary resources, whilst others quickly identified how to gain resources through trading – exchanging highly sought after equipment for a nice little profit. Some teams set high costs for scissors and plain paper, whilst others gave their resources away as aid.

However, it was the banker’s final say when it came to cashing in – and shortcuts were spotted. Although some teams had piles and piles of triangles, squares, circles and rectangles – shapes that were not presented 100% lost value. Teams soon realised it wasn’t quantity that mattered, but quality.

In the afternoon, children came back into their school teams and worked on a short speech about why they thought their school was amazing. After a short time preparing posters and practicing speaking, each school presented their values, their extra-curricular activities, their school pets, their teachers, their school lunches and other facts about their schools and why they were special. This was a lovely activity where each school listened to one another, asked questions and shared fun stories. We really enjoyed hearing about your lovely schools and cannot wait to join some of you on the Table of Awesomeness, School Radio and PGL residential.

Aims

Develop communication

Encourage group discussion and team work

Actively listen and follow instructions

Think creatively and critically

Raise aspirations

Schools were advised to select children from Pupil Premium subgroups.

Background

60% of schools are inner city primaries with the highest pupil premium grant of 51% and lowest of 16%

Pupil premium statements include: Small group sessions focusing on sentence construction, paragraphs and developing the children’s vocabulary and use of language.

Impact

“They had a fabulous time and really enjoyed the 'thunk' questions at the beginning of the session. They were involved in some great teamwork activities and loved the game with the shapes and the money! They came back to school pleading for us to do something like that at school.”

“Our pupils learned to negotiate, listen, persuade and consider their options.”

“Listening skills that enabled them to think creatively.”

Pupil Involvement

70 Year 4 and 5 mixed abilities- boys and girls.

7 x NGHS Year 12 RS students

Frequency

This event was part of an ongoing Reach Out programme.