NEW pupils at Fearns High School, Stacksteads, have been given a head start, thanks to a literacy summer school funded by the Government.

The school successfully bid for £11,000 from Lancashire County Council to be one of about 20 places to offer pupils a summer school.

Thirty-two 10 and 11 year olds joined the school and after three weeks, literacy co-ordinator and head of English Julie O'Connor, said there had been a 100 per cent attendance rate.

She said: "There has been a lot of positive feedback both from pupils and their parents. They have said their reading and writing skills have improved significantly and they are more confident.

"They have also said they are looking forward to starting at Fearns in September. "We wanted to motivate them by organising a wide range of activities and help them to make significant steps forward in their learning by trying to bridge the gap between primary and secondary school."

Besides writing and spelling activities, the pupils have also been involved games and puzzles, sports, trips and computer activities.

Miss O'Connor said: "We have had well motivated pupils who have been eager to learn and they have been a joy to have on site."

As yet, it is unclear how funding will be allocated for any similar schemes in future years, but Miss O'Connor felt sure the success of this year's summer school would mean Fearns would be bidding to hold a similar programme next year.

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