Children and staff from Guernsey’s St Sampson’s High and Le Murier schools are tackling the annual West Coast Challenge in July to fund the Accelerated Reading Scheme used by the schools thanks to the support of two local businesses.
The annual event takes place this year on Friday 6 July and sees 600 children participate in the 11 mile sponsored walk from Pleinmont to Pembroke to help raise money for the Reading Scheme. It helps teachers monitor students’ independent reading practice and make informed decisions which guide their future learning.
St Sampson’s Assistant Head Teacher, Liz Dale, expressed her thanks to lead sponsors Rossborough, who are providing West Coast Challenge T-shirts and bananas for each student and Guernsey Electricity, for donating the recyclable carrier bags, pens and mints:
“I absolutely love this day in the calendar as the challenge encourages camaraderie amongst the students, lots of exercise which is great and everyone raises money for a great initiative.
“As always, we are extremely grateful to Rossborough for their continued support of this popular event which is now into its fifth year. In the past they have provided us bags and pedometers for everyone whereas this year all the students are wearing Rossborough West Coast Challenge T-shirts and carrying bananas which always goes down well. And, I must also thank Guernsey Electricity for supplying the lovely bags, mints and bottles of water for everyone,” she added.
The Accelerated Reading Scheme is an acclaimed initiative that provides students with regular feedback which helps to motivate them to progress with their reading skills. Pupils read a book, take an online quiz through the interactive portal and are provided with immediate feedback. Funding from monies donated and raised through the West Coast Challenge goes towards the yearly subscription and purchase of library books.
Ian Stewart, managing director at Rossborough Guernsey, said: “We have genuinely enjoyed being involved with this challenge for so many years as not only does it provide a whole school outing that is healthy and fun, but has long-term benefits for the children’s learning,which is fantastic.”
Clare Packman, Communications Manager at Guernsey Electricity, commented: “This is our second year supporting the Baubigny schools and we are thrilled to see so many students tackle this challenge which has now become a firm fixture in the annual calendar.”
