Orchard Primary Academy staff rise to Extreme Reading challenge

Teachers at the Chickenley school were asked to take part in an ‘Extreme Reading’ challenge and have their photo taken reading their favourite story in an unusual place or situation.

Staff embraced the fun project, with caretaker Ian Jackson even managing to be pictured with a James Patterson thriller alongside Dewsbury Rams mascot Roger Ram at their Crown Flatt ground, where he volunteers as a St John Ambulance first aider.

Teaching assistant Lynne Hogarth was snapped in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, while vice-principal Adam Wood took his son’s copy of Rabbit’s Nap to an FC United of Manchester football match.

Other creative interpretations of reading included business manager Gill Knowles doing karate moves with a book, teaching assistant Claire Mitchell hanging out of the skylight on her roof, year four teacher Becki Pollock on a trampoline, office worker Claire Hartley cooking, year six teacher Aimee Morley inside her wardrobe, reception teacher Miranda Hick riding a horse, early years teacher Sonia Birkett in a ballpit, principal Sue Palmer in period costume and early years support assistant Sophie Bennett having her make-up done.

The aim of the challenge was to encourage children to read outside of the classroom.

“We wanted to do something a little bit different, and inspire kids to read anywhere, not just in school. We’re now running the challenge for the children too,” said vice-principal Adam Wood.