Funding helps pupils prepare for their exams

Youngsters in Year Six who were underachieving in the Dewsbury West and South wards have been attending extra-curricular sessions in numeracy and literacy.

Between £13,000-£14,000, mostly from district committee funds, was spent on the pupils to help them improve their prospects in this year’s SATS tests.

Coun Darren O’Donovan (Lab, Dewsbury West) said: “We have known for some time now that a number of pupils in Dewsbury primary schools are not achieving recommended levels in SATS literacy and numeracy year on year. Invariably this leads to the young person struggling to make the transition to high school and often finding the high school journey challenging.

“Councillors made a commitment to trail blaze the introduction of the study clubs to begin the work of raising attainment and through that raising self confidence and aspirations.”

Schools which benefited include St Paulinus RC primary, Westmoor primary, Ravensthorpe Junior, Boothroyd Academy , Thornhill Junior and Infant School, Overthorpe Academy and Headfield Junior School.

Ten pupils from each school attended the sessions. The schools also made a financial contribution to the extra lessons, which were staffed by a fully-qualified teacher and assistant.

Coun O’Donovan said: “They took mock exams and they have been doing better and their confidence is greater.”