THREE pupils at a Stalybridge primary school are among a select group of just 15 in the country to have completed a reading programme.
Michael Saville, Ben Humphreys, and Archie Wilkinson from Silver Springs Primary Academy, on School Crescent have been awarded national Reading Plus Champion status for their achievements.
The role recognises and rewards pupils who have completed the entirety of the online reading development programme – DreamBox Reading Plus.
And out of the 130,000 students enrolled, Michael, Ben, and Archie are three of only 15 children to have completed it so far this year.
Champions can complete additional tasks such as interviewing a children’s author and writing blogs and book reviews for Reading Solutions UK’s website.
They also receive a special kit with prizes, including a book voucher, a certificate, a new book of their choice, and a badge to celebrate their achievement.
Michael said: “I feel very excited to become a Reading Plus Champion because I am going to help others enjoy more books.
“I am looking forward to receiving new books that I haven’t read and the possibility of meeting my favourite authors.
“I really enjoy how there are different genres on Reading Plus.
“Also, there are different ways to help you read better, like the Guided Window, which shows a section of text at a time and adjusts to your reading speed. It’s helped me increase my knowledge.”
Ben added he was: “Overjoyed and very positive,” while Archie felt: “Amazing! I wish I could have been a Champion sooner!”
Karen Allen, Reading Plus Lead at Silver Springs, said: “We are thrilled that three of our children have completed the whole programme – they are the first to do this at Silver Springs.
“They are all very self-motivated as part of their work ethic, reading at home as well as in school.
“In addition, they are always eager to use their new knowledge gained from reading.
“Reading Plus has had a very positive impact on reading at Silver Springs. The children are reading a wide range of texts and have a greater motivation to read. I would highly recommend Reading Plus to other schools looking to improve reading in their school.”
Matt Lewis, Reading Development Consultant at Reading Solutions UK, said: “Congratulations to Michael, Ben, and Archie on your new roles – you should be very proud.
“To have three Champions in one school is very impressive and a testament to the amazing work of the teachers and pupils.
“It is fantastic to see the positive impact Reading Plus has had on the reading culture at Silver Springs Academy.”