Youngsters from Peterborough primary schools pitted their English skills against one another in a unique competition designed to encourage a love of reading.
Supported by Peterborough Reads and Vivacity, the English Challenge is hosted by Peterborough City Council’s School Improvement team and launched last year.
Primary schools across Peterborough sent teams of Year 6 pupils to heats where they answered literacy and reading questions. Eight winning teams came together for the grand final at Peterborough Town Hall on Tuesday 21 January.
More than 70 people, including pupils, parents, teachers and staff packed into the venue’s reception room and there was loud applause as the winning team from Werrington Primary School was announced. Runners-up were Discovery Primary School and Sacred Heart finished in third place.
Each pupil who took part in the competition chose a book to take home, kindly donated by Dorling Kindersley.
"The pupils who took part thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The challenge is helping to promote an enjoyment of English and reading, which combined with on-going activities and events across the city as part of the Year of Reading, is having a positive effect. Getting children to develop a love of reading is a vital life skill, which aids general learning."
Councillor Lynne Ayres, Peterborough City Council’s cabinet member for education