Thumbs up from Thame schools for reading charity

THE work of Oxfordshire children’s reading charity ARCh has been given a massive ‘thumbs up’ from schools throughout the county in its 2015 Pupil Survey.

More than 100 primary schools, including the three Thame primary schools, were invited to respond to ARCh’s annual survey, which measures the impact that providing one-to-one assistance from a trained volunteer reader can have on a pupil’s reading and wider learning performance.

Elaine Adams, Development Manager of the Bicester-based charity said: “Schools reported that 92% of pupils who participated in our assisted reading scheme in 2015 showed a marked improvement in reading and writing coupled with a valuable uplift in concentration and self-confidence.

“The findings are a fantastic reward for the work of our army of volunteer reading helpers who regularly mentor over 700 Oxfordshire schoolchildren between the ages of 6-11 years.”

There are eight ARCh volunteers working in the Thame schools and following the charity’s latest training course, a ninth will start this term.

Elaine Adams, ARCh’s Development Manager said: “Our volunteers come from different backgrounds and choose to volunteer for ARCh for many reasons. Some are recently retired and are looking for a useful way to use their spare time. Others may be looking for work and find volunteering in a school setting through ARCh for one year gives them the valuable experience and insight into schools enabling them to gain employment in an education setting.

“One such volunteer has recently moved on from ARCh to do teacher training and has quoted: “I have absolutely loved spending this time encouraging reading for pleasure and forging great relationships with three amazing young people. I hope that I will have access to an ARCh volunteer when I am a teacher.”

The results of the ARCh Pupil Survey were compiled and independently analysed by Research Oxford.

For information about volunteering or supporting the charity’s work in other ways please contact: info@archoxfordshire.org.uk
www.archoxfordshire.org.uk