Club Doncaster Foundation host literacy event with author for partner schools

Last week, saw children from partner schools, Marshland Primary Academy and Scawsby Junior Academy spend the day at the Eco-Power Stadium, taking part in a literacy event.

Ran in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, and funded by the Premier League, children were treated to an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the stadium before taking part in a fun and engaging poetry workshop with local author, Donavan Christopher, known as Rappaman, followed by a sporting activity with our community coaches. 

Children got the chance to hear a range of poems written and performed by Rappaman, how he writes his own poems and what inspired him to start, followed by the opportunity to work out how to rap their own names and create their own poems through rhymes and raps. 

Milo, who attends Scawsby Junior Academy, spoke about his experience of the day: “I love reading. I feel it helps your mind relax. 

“Everything has been amazing today. From the stadium tour, to learning how to write and rap your own poem.”

Sue Gardiner, Year 4 teacher at Marshland Primary Academy, brought the group of children from her school and got to see first hand the impact Rappaman’s workshop had on the children. She said: “It’s been marvellous to see the children come out of themselves, inspired by the author. 

“To see how shy they were at the start of the day and then to see even the most timid child contribute within the workshop and see him reading the book he’s been given, has been fantastic. 

“It was a really inspiring and entertaining workshop, along with having the experience of seeing the stadium, not many people get the chance. 

“It’s an opportunity that they’ll remember for a lifetime, events like this open up a whole world beyond school.”

All children in attendance were gifted a copy of Rappaman’s book, ‘Rappaman to the rescue!’ to take home with them. 

Jim Sells, Sport and Literacy Programme Manager at the National Literacy Trust, said: “We know from our research and decades of experience that reading for enjoyment improves children’s chances of success in school and in life. 

“Tapping into their interests helps to build this love of reading, which is why we use the motivational power of football to get children, especially those that might struggle with this key skill, into books. 

“By bringing together local authors and football clubs, we are taking an important step towards inspiring a love of reading in children that will benefit them for a lifetime.”

Want to find out how your school can be involved in events like this or find out more info about Primary Stars? Contact the schools team at hayley.barclay@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk, to learn about the benefits of our schools packages and prices for the 23/24 academic year.