RIVINGTON & BLACKROD High School's boys literacy project has used the power of sport to focus and encouraging boys to read. This is hoped will increase their literacy and creative skills.

Evidence suggests that boys are less likely to read than girls, with boys having a lower reading age throughout their years at secondary school.

This project provided books and resources which were specifically of interest to boys.

This will extend their access to literature and encourage their participation in reading.

The programme of activities planned for the project will culminate in a competition where boys from Year 7 and 8 will create a sporting anthem.

Boys will be able to pick any sport that they are interested in, to focus on.

Football in the Community staff were there to help and support as well as act as role models to the project which took place at lunchtimes in the library across both Rivington and Ladybridge High schools.

Tony Purcell, Head Teacher said

"This project has helped us to boost boy's motivation and enjoyment of reading. We hope that it will serve to improve literacy skills by encouraging boys to read more often.

Books can offer a tremendous resource of knowledge and can widen the perceptions and horizons of young people.

We are looking forward to seeing the outcomes from this project in the form of the sporting anthems that are produced by those involved in this project."