Funding Letter 2014-15

C/O Williamstown Primary School, Dinas Isaf West, Williamstown, CF40 1AG.

facebook.com/world.of.words.org and @robjones901 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Call: 07981 633361 or 01443 432186

Identity

World of Words (WOW) is a non-profit, social enterprise with a management committee, policies and a constitution (backed by Interlink and Business in Focus). WOW offers a well-being programme that uses literacy and language to build confidence and self-esteem amongst children. WOW aims towards a singular and collective development in its youngsters. WOW children and their next of kin are also rewarded with a range of prizes and experiences. WOW offers flexibility as it responds to referrals given by its schools. Children joining WOW sessions may be:

Reluctant readers who will benefit from motivation and engagement Low achievers and underachievers e.g. struggling readers Dyslexic Of ethnic origin and extra support with the English language is necessary In need of positire interaction with a male role model Requiring special attention because of other issues (e.g. behaviour) Beneficiaries of individual attention (N.B. We work with smaller groups) Infants who have moved up to primary school and need extra reading help Year Six children who can upgrade skills before they leave primary school Failing in other areas of school but a like of reading can build upon a core skill Responsive to the array of different literary tools that are used in our sessions Up to the challenge of winning WOW incentives Better suited to working in a same gender learning group Lacking assistance at home and therefore extra help is essential Unable to access a public library. Happier with the freedom to choose a book provided by WOW. Suffering a shortfall in their writing. We can introduce different exercises Seeking an avenue for debate and discussion Keen to have stories written for them and WOW responds with a tome of tales Looking for a fun way of taking their reading and education forward

The local area

In 2009 Only Boys Allowed (OBA) began via the Read a Million Words quest to improve literacy amongst boys. The success of OBA led to an Only Girls Allowed (OGA) project WOW united OBA and OGA. 19 schools and 1900 children have sampled the WOW sessions. WOW has an interest in the young (and not always trouble-free) lives of children in an area of Wales that has many problems (e.g. broken families, drug/alcohol abuse, high unemployment, random crime, ill health and a feeling of hopelessness). WOW offers hope and enforces positive values.

Structure, governance and management

A voluntary WOW management committee has a clear constitution and pertinent policies. Extreme endeavour and fervent fundraising affords WOW a chance to deliver its programme across a number of schools. The need to accrue capital and revenue monies drives WOW on to maintain the momentum of its wondrous work.

World of Words objectives

WOW and its children discuss the importance of factors such as: Respect for oneself and others Trying one’s best and not making weak excuses for a lack of effort Honesty and not blaming other people when it is your fault Learning from your errors and bouncing back from bad experiences Using wisdom (both in and out of school) Good behaviour and staying clear of trouble Being inspired by appropriate role models Helping both oneself and others Choosing the right friends Adhering to safe and secure practices Clean living-and the avoidance of drugs, alcohol and crime Facing challenges and overcoming obstacles Enhancing personal talents and achieving one’s goals The value of money and adult responsibilities within this apea Having aspirations/dreams and working towards progress Planning for the future.

Background

Estyn-The school inspectorate body confirms that: 4 of 10 children leaving primary school have reading ages below their actual age (and that statistic can be higher); pupils may not develop satisfactory writing skills at any stage; boys make slower progress than girls; few more able learners reach higher literacy levels; and many adults have low levels of basic literacy. PISA (The Programme for International Assessment) indicates that literacy levels in Wales must improve. Over 8,000 youngsters were surveyed in a report. The educational findings were that: 23% of kids did not feel that they got the right help; 28% called for more fun classes; and 22% called for more help from teachers. WOW can help with change. Adulthood has many demands that are led by reading e.g.: Learning to drive, travel plans, form filling (insurance, TV licence, etc), buying/renting a house, using the Internet, paying bills, shopping and ‘finding employment’ (98% of jobs require reading and Wales has the highest unemployment of any UK country). Another report declares that only 1 in 15 children who fall behind at primary school will ever claw back any learning deficit and then make sufficient progress.

The South Wales Echo stated that ‘deprivation is the biggest challenge in improving education in Wales’. The South Wales valleys are one of the most deprived regions in Europe and 1 in 3 children can live in poverty. WOW successfully operates in this heartland of hard times. WOW aims to put a smile of the faces of children, and enforce the fact that good reading skills can lead to gains as regards: Education, entertainment and enjoyment.

WOW achievements and activities

WOW: Fundraises; hunts for incentives (that provide incredible experiences for children); searches for resources, and arranges guest visits. WOW has introduced the police, fire service, military, The Dog’s Trust and writers to enforce good values. A visiting poet who also works in prisons explained that many people who broke the law do so because they have wasted their education. As many as 50% of prisoners cannot read or write. A need to be literate is dovetailed with a call to prevent crime.

WOW uses self-penned stories/poems (with positive messages), other texts, plus further inspirational ideas. Book reviews and/or a chance to write stories also aid comprehension/spelling/grammar. The pupils enjoy the relaxed environment of WOW and they provide oral and written responses. Each week diverse materials offer different ability levels a chance to participate and gain new interests.

WOW has had positive media with regular updates in the Rhondda Leader and online. WOW has gained respect from the likes of: Leighton Andrews AM (former Welsh Assembly Education Minister) and Leanne Wood AM/Plaid Cymru Leader.

WOW forms many bonds; and, organising incentives plus precise planning ensures that the kids go to prize events. The children and their nearest and dearest share in many rewards e.g.: sports/theatre tickets; playscheme and theme park admission; plus books and even more gifts. WOW also gets schools free materials and bargains

Community links (and school credits)

WOW has had many credits: Williamstown Primary has WOW as a valuable tool enhancing reading, speaking and listening skills. A universal desire across the English curriculum also improved.Penygraig Juniors scored a big improvement in motivation, attitude and standards. Ysgol Yr Eos Primary noted that literacy achievements had improved by 25%.Tonyrefail Primary said that their children (some with educational issues) benefited.Maerdy Juniors rated the project, and our industry also sparked other initiatives.Llwynypia Primary was grateful that our tireless endeavour led to positive reading.Treorchy Primary said that their children now read and progress was made.Darran Park Primary had our input leading to other progressive action. Cwmclydach Primary noted our enthusiasm and the children enjoyed the sessions. SS Gabriel & Raphael RC Primary recorded vastly improved reading skills.Ton Pentre Juniors were enthused and that also resulted in after school club action.

The above plaudits can be magnified as there has been plenty of praise for WOW.

Evaluation (and community benefits)

WOW (plus OBA/OGA) has liaised with many schools; and there is a quest to build. WOW has had the backing of teachers, parents and most importantly the children. WOW explains that each individual child can improve their lives and a more rewarding future can result. As a result our communities will have more skills and a more buoyant population. The WOW motto is ‘Life is a test, so try your best!’ WOW hopes you can help our programme. It is many thanks if you can make a donation; and we will make sure that our range of media options can offer coverage for any assistance that is provided. Every pound counts and many children benefit.

Best Wishes

Rob Jones (WOW)