A literacy project launched in Ireland's education system has delivered good results.

The Write to Read programme was implemented at Our Lady Immaculate Junior National School in Darndale two years ago and since then its pupils have shown significant improvement in their abilities.

Results of the pilot project revealed that the proportion of first and second-class students who were above the 80th percentile for reading went from zero to 20 per cent.

The scheme worked by providing 90 minutes of literacy lessons to kids every day and giving them the opportunity to take part in writing workshops where they could be more creative.

Minister for education Ruairi Quinn said: "Write to Read has shown that targeting continuing professional development for teachers and schools can have a significant effect on improving literacy standards."

Following the success of the pilot initiative, the government is rolling out the programme to other primary schools.

This is likely to come as a relief to parents after Sean Flynn, writing for the Irish Times, suggested that pupils have "serious deficiencies in basic literacy" skills.

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments