1. Why should we choose Coram Beanstalk? Expand Reading Leaders is a structured peer-mentoring programme, developed to provide benefit to both younger and older pupils. The programme delivers training to your selected group of older pupils. Alongside this you will have materials and guidance to support you to run the programme successfully in your school. You can read more about our latest impact data here. If you'd like to find out more about the programme please contact Kerry Ward.
2. How much does the training cost and what does it cover? Expand 2.1 How much does the training cost and what is covered? Our Reading Leaders training is built from reading for pleasure principles. We know that time spent sharing a book together and allowing space to discuss thoughts and opinions engages pupils with reading in a really effective way. During training older students are inspired to share their love of reading and are given clear guidance on how to structure and plan engaging sessions for their younger peers. The Reading Leaders programme costs £1295 for up to 16 students for in person delivery (if available) or £695 for online delivery. Both sessions are led by one of our trainers, are interactive and include course materials. All our Reading Leaders courses include two free CPD places for coordinating members of staff and a coordinator’s pack. 2.2 Can the Reading Leaders programme be used for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme? Coram Beanstalk Reading Leaders is recognised as an Approved Activity Provider (AAP) by the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and participation in the programme can be used towards the Bronze volunteers section of the award. If you would like to volunteer with Coram Beanstalk for your Duke of Edinburgh award, please note that we are only able to offer this through your school's involvement in our Reading Leaders programme. 2.3 How do we sign up? Either complete this short form or contact Kerry Ward, our Growth and Partnerships Manager.
3. What are the benefits for our students? Expand 3.1 What are the benefits to older students? For older students it can be a struggle to build the skills they need to progress in their future education or career. The Reading Leaders programme begins with "adult style" training to empower students to take ownership of the delivery of sessions for a younger peer. Often, for the first time, they step into a responsible position with someone looking up to them. They build career readiness skills, gaining a confidence boost as well as evidence to take forward into their next stage. 3.2 Can the Reading Leaders programme be used for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme? Coram Beanstalk Reading Leaders is recognised as an Approved Activity Provider (AAP) by the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and participation in the programme can be used towards the Bronze volunteers section of the award. If you would like to volunteer with Coram Beanstalk for your Duke of Edinburgh award, please note that we are only able to offer this through your school's involvement in our Reading Leaders programme. 3.2 What are the benefits to younger students? For younger pupils, struggling with reading can make secondary school feel daunting. Having someone they look up to from an older year group can give them the motivation to engage with reading, ultimately improving their reading skills and confidence. Younger pupils meet with their older mentor for regular one to one sessions. The pressure of reading is lifted as they share books together and chat about what they have read.
4. What do schools, teachers and students say about the programme? Expand 4.1 What do the schools who have used Coram Beanstalk training for Reading Leaders say? Reading leaders brings unique value to the promotion of literacy as our Year 10 role models enable Year 7s and 8s to make massive weekly strides in their interpretation of texts. It has created a warm buzz of positive peer pressure as Year 10s are using their personalities and popularity to create authentic and real changes in their peer’s lives. Alec Macnaughton , Literacy and EAL Lead, Royal Greenwich Trust School I've come to appreciate the invaluable role Coram Beanstalk plays in fostering a love for reading among children across the UK. Undoubtedly, through the positive role models and the tailed training received, the Year 7s are already displaying a more positive attitude to reading and see themselves as 'readers' perhaps for some for the very first time. Year 10 students have also commented on how it has enabled them to develop their own skills as they experience reading from a different lens. Katie Armstrong, Lead Practitioner in English, Broughton High School 4.2 What do the students say about their Reading Leaders training? This is an experience that prepares you for the future, a program I will never forget. Year 11 student, The Appleton School I would say that it is a privilege to have been part of the course because it is a great thing to be doing and helping others read and to be more confident is an amazing feeling to have. Year 9, Corpus Christi Catholic High School I think it was a really good experience for me and my buddy reader because it increased both of our confidence and helped someone else enjoy reading even more. Year 10, Patcham High School Being a part of this program has helped to extend and broaden my own vocabulary and responsibility. It's also allowed me to get to know my younger peers and see the struggles some face that you wouldn't guess by their appearance as its something you learn about them through the process of communication and this helps to adapt to their abilities to help improve them. Year 10, Corpus Christi Catholic High School