Reading Programme

Our pupils in years 8 & 10 volunteer to read with year 4 & 5 pupils from Werneth Primary Academy. This is a 10 week programme aiming to improve confidence in and enjoyment of reading for all involved.

Aims

To improve reading skills and confidence of pupils at Werneth Primary Academy. Many of the pupils involved speak a language other than English at home, in many cases they will have a better understanding of English then their parents, and may have noone to read to at home.

The need was identified by the management team at Werneth Primary School. Our year 8 & 10 pupils were keen to volunteer to spend time working in their most local state primary school.

Background

Good communication between the management teams of the two schools enabled this project to be a success. The need was identified by the management team at Werneth Primary School. The two schools have worked together in partnership for a number of years but good links between the management teams of the two schools have broadened the scope of the partnership work. 

Resources

Up to 45 of our children are involved for two lunchtimes a week for 10 weeks. At least two staff from our school accompany the students each week. As the school is just a short walk away there are no transport costs.

Impact

The reading volunteers are trained by Harmony Trust staff prior to embarking on the course. They assess their buddies at the start and end of the 10 week course using the Hertfordshire Reading Test which they receive training to use.

Pupil Involvement

45 pupils from years 8 & 10 are involved working with a similar number of pupils from years 5 & 6 at Werneth Primary School.

Frequency

A ten week course during the spring/summer term which will be repeated annually