Alder Tree Primary Academy unveil Reading Caravan, alongside distinguished author, Richard O’Neill.

 

In an addition which will transform children’s literature journey, Alder Tree Primary
have recently opened the doors to their Reading Caravan, which is located in the
school’s grounds.
Given its grand opening by Richard O’Neill, where he read his story, ‘Can Caravan’,
each term will see the caravan overhauled with a new selection of books from a
different, respective author, with pupils being able to enjoy a plethora of stories from
Richard, all the way up to Christmas.
On a daily basis, Alder Tree’s Year 6 Student Leadership Group manage and
maintain the vehicle, and the group also led on the hosting of September’s launch
event.
Speaking about the impact which the caravan will have on her pupils, Kate Burton,
Principal of Alder Tree Primary Academy explained: Children enjoy quiet, calm
spaces to read and get lost in a book. Placing a caravan on our field has enabled
our children to immerse themselves, not only in reading, but in the culture of travel
and being on a reading journey.
The academy are already seeing those positive outcomes manifest themselves, with
children regularly visiting the caravan to discover new stories.
Sheni, pupil, said: “It’s really good for children to come and read a book. You also
get to see how good Richard’s books are.”
Rihana, pupil, stated: “The caravan is nice and warm, and you can chill and read
books.”
Reflecting on being the inaugural author to feature in the caravan, Richard, who
visits schools up and down the country, spoke of his amazement at the children’s
sheer enthusiasm for learning and reading.
He declared: “Caravans have been embedded in literature for years, and it’s
important to incorporate reading for pleasure.
“This was the very first caravan I have signed, and to see the inside full of my books
was so special.”
ABOUT WHITE ROSE ACADEMIES TRUST
Following a rapid improvement programme across Leeds City Academy, Leeds East
Academy and Leeds West Academy, the young people within the White Rose
Academies Trust are now benefiting from a greatly enhanced education.
New leadership, exceptional teaching and cutting-edge facilities equip students
with the unique skills and personal confidence to fully meet their aspirations and
potential.
The White Rose Academies Trust is a local Trust dedicated to raising and fulfilling the
ambitions of young people.
Our academies throughout Leeds are at the heart of the communities they serve,
which is why we are committed to delivering an outstanding education to every
one of our students.
In December 2020, Alder Tree Primary Academy joined the White Rose Academies
Trust and appointed primary education leader Kate Burton in the role of Principal.
The Trust employs over 500 outstanding professionals who are committed to
unlocking the potential of the next generation.
The Chief Executive Officer of the White Rose Academies Trust is Andrew Whitaker.
Andrew joined the White Rose Academies Trust as Executive Principal on 1st
September 2016, with a personal determination that all White Rose Academies will
become world class providers of education to the communities that they serve by
2025.
In 2018, Andrew was awarded a prestigious Churchill Fellowship. Andrew’s previous
work includes leading the transformation of Todmorden High School. Website –
www.whiteroseacademies.org