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News

ABLE PUPILS CHALLENGED IN SUMMER SCHOOLS

Able pupils in Poole are being challenged with the help of government funding during two special Summer Schools.

Involving over 60 students aged 11-14, the two-week courses for literacy and visual arts being run by the Borough of Poole during the first two weeks of the summer holidays.

Using the characters and rich history of Upton House, over 30 students involved in Poole’s literacy summer school are creating an interactive ghost story for the Borough’s website, www.poole.gov.uk.

Inspired by artefacts from the house, students are recording their stories using video, digital cameras and lap top computers. Following a special presentation of the work to parents on Friday 11 August at Upton House, the completed story will be linked to the Borough’s website, later in the year for other students to use.

The visual arts summer school, based at St Mary’s RC Combined School is designed to develop creative skills. Working with two professional artists, using batik and textiles, 30 pupils are creating large flags which will be flown outside Poole Arts Centre at a special ceremony on 8 September. Students will also be combining their main theme of "Our Town Poole" with one of "The Learning Church" to create a pennant for display at Plymouth Cathedral.

Councillor Mrs Annette Brooke, Chair of the Education Committee, said, "I am delighted that the young people involved will be able to benefit from these exciting Summer Schools. The Borough is keen to provide additional activities for able pupils, which challenges them at the same time as raising motivation, inspiration and self esteem."

Jeff Hart, Chief Adviser, Borough of Poole, added: "These Summer Schools add to the opportunities available for able pupils in Poole. For example, we have recently mounted a highly successful project for 14 year olds across nine secondary schools, including almost two hundred pupils. Also, a teacher is currently seconded part-time to work across schools and devise similar projects for the most able pupils."

-ends-

Editor’s Notes:
£18,000 Government funding was awarded to the Borough of Poole for the summer schools.

For more information on:
· The literacy summer school, contact: John Mursell, Literacy Adviser, Borough of Poole for Poole, tel: (01202) 262729
· The visual arts summer school, contact: Debbie Priest, Youth Sports Development Advisor, Borough of Poole, tel: (01202) 262741

Jeff Hart, Chief Adviser, tel: (01202) 633733