MSP visits to see how reading project is going

A MSP met with Gardenrose Primary pupils in Maybole to learn how they were progressing with their reading.

Oliver Mundell, the MSP for Dumfriesshire, visited the school, which is helping pupils who have struggled to learn to read. The programme, ReadingWise, is being used to help pupils in the school boost their reading confidence and progress in both their basic decoding and their comprehension skills..

He said: “I was really pleased to be able to see Readingwise in action and to meet the young people at Gardenrose who have benefited. Experiencing literacy is key to raising attainment and anything we can do to help must be explored.”

ReadingWise has helped over 106 primary and secondary schools in Scotland and has improved the reading age of 4,631 pupils as a result. Gardenrose Primary School has been using the programme since 2016 and so far it has helped over 50 pupils.

Jennifer Trimmings, headteacher at Gardenrose Primary School, said: “The pupils enjoyed talking about the books that they like to read and also show how ReadingWise has helped them to build confidence and enjoy reading at school and at home.”

Jamie Fries, CEO of ReadingWise, said: “Gardenrose Primary School has managed to use the ReadingWise programme to empower the pupils, instill independence and confidence and the students’ success stories are just fantastic.”