Reading support project

10 girls from Year 12 (age 16-17) volunteered to visit Greenfields Primary school. They visited the school in small groups during lunch or morning breaks twice a week.

The girls built a rapport with the children and found the role very rewarding. 

Aims

To create a greater partnership between Greenfields Primary School and St Helen’s School. This is part of the St Helen’s outreach programme where we are working to increase our links with local schools at the primary and secondary level in the area.

An identified area of need was support to strengthen Greenfields' reading and literacy programme. For the St Helen's pupils this would be an opportunity to use their skills in a real place of work. They would need to be responsible, independent and plan their time.

Background

Zoe Baines, St Helen's Development Director, looked at ways we could provide practical support that would be mutually beneficial. We have provided some school equipment surplus to requirements and have looked at a range of projects.

Impact

Some of the primary children chosen for the project do not have family able to read to them regularly at home. Greenfields class teachers monitored the pupils and have been very happy with the results. All feedback has been very positive.

The class teachers were asked for feedback. They said they were really happy with everything the girls have been doing and commented on how much the children look forward to them coming. The teachers also remarked on how much more confident both the girls and the primary children are together. They have requested we continue the project in September, which we plan to do.

Pupil Involvement

St Helen's Year 12 (circa 16 year old).
Greenfields primary year 3 (circa 8 year olds).

Frequency

Ongoing, during term time, twice a week.