Literacy news
Mission accomplished for Operation Read winners
14 Apr 2010
National Literacy Trust Reading Champions teams from Newton Road Primary School in Northamptonshire and King Richard School in Hampshire have been announced as the winners of Chris Ryan Operation Read, a nationwide competition that saw boys undertake a range of reading missions.
Students were under the watchful eye of ex-SAS soldier and popular author Chris Ryan who sent teams on their missions. Tasks included the ‘Engineering Mission’ where students had to create their own reading wall. Another mission was the ‘Surveillance Mission’ where the boys had to catch people reading and making a display. The aim was to photograph staff or other pupils reading – catch them in the act!
During the Gulf War, Chris was the only member of an eight-man team to escape from Iraq, of which three colleagues were killed and four captured. It was the longest escape and evasion in the history of the SAS. Now Chris loves sharing his stories and spreading the message about reading, and how important it is for young people, especially boys, who often do not enjoy reading as much as girls.
The winning teams from Newton Road Primary School and King Richard School both win an exciting prize: an Action Day Out with Chris. Students will have the chance to don army combats and compete in military themed missions, before taking part in an assault course.
You can find out how your school can get involved in the Reading Champions programme here.
