The school community at Ogmore Vale Primary School is jumping for joy after a £4,000 donation from Pennant Walters has allowed them to install two ‘Camp Reading’ houses which will be used for a host of literacy-related activities.
The school has purchased the summer houses, which have been cited on the school playgrounds, and now plan to use it in several ways to help further instil a love of reading amongst pupils and the wider community. They’ve also boosted literacy across all age groups, purchasing new books and literature-related classroom activities.
The plans were made possible after the school was allocated £4,000 from the Pennant Walters fund which is linked to the construction of the new, but standalone, Pant y Wal Wind Extension Farm, adjacent to Ogwr Valley.
Family Engagement Officer at Ogmore Vale Primary School, Maria Balchin and Year 3 teachers Ceri Hobbs led the project. Maria explains its need:
“For some time we have wanted to create an area for all things literacy-related in a space that is away from the main school building as we know how much the environment can impact learning.
“When we were successful in our bid for funding, we wasted no time as we wanted as many of our community to start benefitting as soon as possible.”
The area is now being used in a number of ways including after-school activities to promote reading for pleasure, whilst language and play sessions are being held with parents and children to help develop literacy skills for lower foundation aged pupils. The school is also running weekly storytelling sessions and plans to host author visits.
Ceri added:
“One thing we were adamant about was the area wasn’t to be restricted in any way and so, it’s open to pupils throughout the school day, including break and lunch times. It’s also open after school and during school holidays as we don’t want to deter any of our children from picking up a book at any time.
“This money has made such an impact to our children, and everyone is responding in such a positive way.
“We hope that now it’s established more of our parents and carers can benefit from the space. On behalf of everyone here at Ogmore Vale Primary, I’d like to thank Pennant Walters for allowing us to install something that will have such a great impact for years to come.”
Pennant Walters Operations Manager, Harry Llewellyn, said:
“We are delighted to help the school realise its ambition of installing the ‘Camp Reading’ house and we can clearly see how much joy it’s bringing to pupils. We hope it continues instilling a love of reading while supporting the school community with other literacy-based initiatives.
"Our wind energy project community funds exist to make a difference to the local communities in which we work, and it’s clear to see the positive impact this outdoor space will have.”