The third phase of Marine in the Community’s partnership with schools
programme Literacy Kicks has been hailed for its impact in local classrooms.
The initiative saw classes at St Luke’s Halsall in Crosby and Trinity St Peter’s
Formby take part in six-week sports journalism programmes guided by Literacy
Kicks founder and national newspaper journalist Gareth Walker.
The pupils wrote reports on Keely Hodgkinson’s Olympic 800m triumph, live
blogged the 1966 World Cup final and compiled news stories on the resignation
of England manager Gareth Southgate. They also learned how to sub-edit
articles, researched the impact of the friendship between rugby league stars Rob
Burrow and Kevin Sinfield, and wrote opinion pieces on whether winning is the
most important part of sport.
The project conclude with pupils from St Luke’s Halsall attending a Marine FC game to use their skills and become sports journalists at the match.
Trinity St Peter’s teacher and assistant head Jonathan McCabe said: “Having
Literacy Kicks return to work with our current Year 5 class this year was an
enriching experience. Once again, the children were fully engaged, exploring
the world of sports journalism and further developing their writing and
communication skills in a creative and interactive way.
“This year’s programme not only built upon last year’s successes but brought
even more enthusiasm and joy into our classroom. Many students proudly
referred to it as a highlight of their year to date, and we witnessed firsthand how
it bolstered their confidence and reporting abilities.
“We are deeply thankful for the dedication of Gareth (Literacy Kicks), the
support of Marine in the Community and we are eager to continue this
incredible collaboration in the future.”
St Luke’s Halsall Year 6 teacher Ashley Parks said: “Gareth came into our Year
6 class with a bang! The children were immediately drawn in by his manner and
history, as he inspired our 10 year olds with how he came to be a sports
journalist.
“Gareth also inspired us all by presenting incredible Paralympians each week
that he had met and interviewed this year in Paris 2024. We were in total awe of
these superheroes and the message of overcoming barriers.
“Throughout Gareth’s sessions, the children were engaged, enthralled and silent,
hanging on his every word. The tasks and activities were scaffolded perfectly,
with enough extension for those who needed it.
“Every child produced a great variety of work over the six weeks and made
great progress in the different styles of writing and reporting presented to us.”
Marine in the Community community director Graeme Gardiner added: “It has
been clear to see the impact of our sports journalism programme in local
schools.
“The partnership with Literacy Kicks has gone from strength to strength and
will again see local children attending a Marine FC match to put their new skills
into practise. I’ve seen first hand how the pupils have embraced these sessions
and using sport has been a very effective way to engage them in writing.”
The programme has been funded with the help of a grant from the Trident
Community Foundation, established by Northern Premier League sponsors
Pitching In.
