Coinciding with the
Bantam’s recent victory against Chelsea, Bradford’s schools are kicking off a
reading intervention programme that captures the motivational power of
football.
As part of the
Bradford Literacy Campaign’s focus on providing strong male role models for
children, the National Literacy Trust is rolling out its Premier League
Reading Stars programme across 22 of Bradford’s primary and secondary
schools.
The National
Literacy Trust’s Premier League Reading Stars programme (PLRS) is supported
by the Premier League. It uses children’s passion for football to motivate
them to enjoy reading and improve their reading levels. In 2014, out of those
who took part in the 10-week programme, three-quarters of children improved
their reading – with almost a quarter making a year’s progress. The Premier
League Reading Stars list of players for 2015 and their recommended reads is
being announced here over the coming weeks.
A broad variety of
staff from Bradford’s schools including senior leaders, subject leaders,
support staff and games staff attended the training day at Bradford City’s
Valley Parade stadium. Author and Roald Dahl Funny Prize winner, Jamie
Thomson was there to explain how author visits can inspire children to read
for enjoyment.
Dan Walker, Deputy
Head at Girlington Primary said:
“I held an assembly
on the PLRS programme and pupils are now very enthusiastic about the idea of
combining football and reading. I'm hoping to start the first PLRS team as
soon as possible.”
Imran Hafeez, the
National Literacy Trust’s Bradford Hub Manager said:
"It's
timely that this programme is starting in the immediate wake of Bradford City's
heroics in the FA cup. We know how influential sports people can be to young
people and that's why this programme has such an impact on attitudes towards
reading, resulting in a positive change in reading behaviours.”