Primary schools launch inspiring reading programme

Primary schools from Rochdale at the launch of the borough’s latest Reading University Programme

Nine primary schools from Rochdale are taking part in the borough’s latest Reading University Programme.

Hamer Primary, Belfield Primary, Heybrook Primary, Brimrod Primary, Marland Hill Primary, Moorhouse Primary, Greenbank Primary, St Andrew’s CE Primary and Spotland Primary, all from the local Inspirational Professional Learning Network Community (IPLCN) cluster, are taking part in this inspiring programme.

The reading programme is now in its third cycle. Each cycle takes three years to complete, with the children starting when they are in Year 4 and ends with a graduation ceremony for them as they leave Year 6, ready to move up to High School.

This year’s cohort sees 56 children taking part and the programme was formally launched at Rochdale Central Library this week.

Councillor Kieran Heakin, Rochdale Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “This is a great initiative, in a world of social media and technology we must still remember how important reading books for pleasure is. I’m sure the children will love being part of this and I’m looking forward to seeing them progress and graduate.”

The event was the first opportunity that the children have had to meet each other and make new friends across schools. Parents and carers also came along so that they could find out more and see their children start the programme.

Ailsa Metcalfe, deputy head at Spotland Primary and spokesperson for the Reading University, said: “I always love the start of a new Reading University cycle, the children will learn and develop so much through the work and experiences the programme offers them and we can’t wait to see their progress.”

The aim of the Reading University is to promote a life-long love of reading for pleasure and also challenge children with a range of different texts over the three years of the programme.

A various stages in the programme poets and authors will come and talk to the children about their inspiration for writing and to share some of their work, and visits to the library will also take place frequently throughout the programme.