Rochdale Training joins initiative to support young readers

(Left to right): Rochdale Training Apprenticeship Tutor, Charlotte Baron, Year 10 students and Assistant Headteacher, Mrs Howarth.

Rochdale Training has donated £600 to Whitworth Community High School to enable it to purchase reading books for its year 10 students.

The school reached out to the business community with an appeal to help raise funds for reading books for all students.

Associate headteacher, Mr Andrew Oliver said: “One of our key priorities in school is to support students to improve their reading and to develop a love of the written word. This is important to our students as it helps with general literacy skills, improves general knowledge, exercises the brain, and generally helps to prepare students for the world of work. In addition, research shows that reading can help with concentration, improve sleeping patterns, and is a lifelong form of entertainment.

“The cost of providing one book per student across a year group is approximately £600. Therefore, we are looking to businesses who might be able to consider funding one book per student across a single-year group for a one-off donation of £600.

“The school is very grateful to the team at Rochdale Training for supporting the campaign with a donation. This money will pay for books for the year 10 students who are currently preparing for their GCSEs.”

Apprenticeship manager at Rochdale Training, Mark Whittaker said: “The effects of reading on child development are vast. Rochdale Training value and promote reading to all ages. We are very pleased to be part of this great initiative to help nurture future talent who may be apprentices one day.”

Anyone interested in joining the campaign can email a.oliver@whitworth.lancs.sch.uk.