THOUSANDS of primary school children across Bradford district are receiving a free book this week as part of a project to prepare them for moving up to secondary school.

Year 6 pupils from almost every primary school in the area will get their own copy, to keep, of the award-winning book Boy 87 by Ele Fountain.

The 8,500 books form part of a project organised by a group of primary and secondary school teachers for pupils who will step up to secondary school this September.

The pupils will do work based on the book both this term, their final term in primary school, and at the start of next term, at their new secondary school.

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Boy 87 is a novel about a child refugee, called Shif, who is forced to flee his home in search of safety. Fittingly, it is being distributed during Refugee Week. Author Ele Fountain has also recorded a video especially for the children of Bradford in which she explained how she came to write the book.

Pupils will get their books whether they are attending school or continuing to learn from home because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The books were paid for by the Bradford Opportunity Area, the government-funded scheme to improve social mobility in some of the country’s most disadvantaged places.

Rebecca Cradock, head teacher of Clayton Village Primary School, who along with Linda Wright, head teacher at Riddlesden St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Keighley, was key to setting up the project, explained the aims.

She said: “Under usual circumstances, leaving primary school is a memorable yet daunting experience for children and we know that schools play a key role in preparing them for this next step.

“During these unprecedented times, schools have needed to think creatively about meeting both the academic and social needs of all children, some of whom have been at home since March 20.

“We felt it was important to provide our Year 6 children with an engaging project to complete their time at primary school whilst shining a light on the global issue of protecting human rights for all - fundamental values that will serve them well as they move to secondary school and beyond.

“Primary and secondary schools across the Bradford district have worked collaboratively on this transition project which aims to be thought provoking and inspiring. Boy 87 has provided the perfect platform for this. A bespoke teaching and learning package has been created by teachers, for teachers and will ensure that all our 8,500 Year 6 pupils go to their secondary school with a shared learning experience of a topical and relevant issue in today’s society.

“We hope that through this project all our children develop a sense of empathy, increased tolerance and respect for the world around them. Giving the Class of 2020 an opportunity to walk in the shoes of the main character will empower them to be part of future global change.”

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, praised the project.

He said: “The transition from primary to secondary school is an important step in education. Pupils have to adjust to new surroundings, new teachers, new friends, new rules and routines and new ways of learning. Making that transition successful is essential to young people thriving and reaching their potential, which is our ambition for all our young people.

“I thank and commend the teachers and school leaders who have worked hard to put this imaginative project together and I also express my gratitude to Pushkin Press and Bradford Opportunity Area for their support which has made it possible.”

The book’s author, Ele Fountain, said: “I'm so thrilled that Boy 87 has been chosen for this epic transition project, and that Shif's journey will be shared in this way. I'm in awe of all those whose hard work and collaboration has made it possible.”

Adam Freudenheim, Publisher of Pushkin Press said: “I’m hugely proud that Bradford has chosen Ele Fountain’s award-winning, compellingly written and thought-provoking novel Boy 87 to share with all their Year 6 pupils moving up to Year 7. I am sure they will enjoy reading it and discussing it with their classmates and teachers.”