School wins award for improving pupils' reading (From Bucks Free Press)

School wins award for improving pupils' reading

9:00am Monday 1st October 2012 in News By Luciana O'Shea

FOXES Piece Primary School in Marlow has been rewarded for the way it has helped youngsters struggling to read.

The Newfield Road school has won the title of Reading Recovery School of the Year in the category "effective working with parents, carers and guardians to support literacy in the school."

The Reading Recovery program is a short-term intervention scheme for children who have the lowest achievement in literacy learning after one year at school.

Reading Recovery teacher Caitriona Ward said she was delighted about the award and added: "Reading is the most important gift our school can give a child." Every year eight children are selected to undertake private lessons for 30 minutes a day, for an average of 15 to 20 weeks.

Phonics, reading and writing exercises are all included in the sessions.

Mrs Ward has taught all class teachers, assistants, volunteers and many parents about the principles of the program. Parents are invited to observe teaching sessions to assist them in supporting their children at home.

They are also welcomed to attend reading workshops led by Mrs Ward held regularly throughout the year.