Sixth formers at Shebbear College have been offering a helping hand to their younger counterparts. The older students have been giving up their free time to support young, improving readers in a new initiative by the Learning Support Department.
Structured reading manuals, Toe by Toe and Stride Ahead, are being used in daily sessions with pupils to raise their reading accuracy and fluency skills.
Sophia Chapman, Head of Learning Support, said: “Since the very first session, the sixth formers have shown a real enthusiasm and interest in the pupils they have been assigned to. This allows them to develop a rapport and to see the progress that they make on a daily basis. It’s been a great success.”
HELPING OUT: Pictured left to right are, Josh Bickley (Okehampton); Rebecca Reader (Holsworthy); Joe Manning (Bideford); Tobias Hayes (Ashwater); Abbie Nicholson (Westward Ho!) and James Scott (Barnstaple) taking a look at the Toe by Toe and Stride Ahead reading manuals.
Sixth former, Mitch Barltrop said: “It is incredibly satisfying and pleasing to see young children advance in their reading as a result of our work.”
Joe Manning from Littleham, Bideford, said: “My sixth form helper is really funny and helpful and she encourages me a lot.”
