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

Following a successful pilot project in 2020, this year will be the second year running that the transition project has taken place. 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.

Boy 87 is a novel about a child refugee, called Shif, who is forced to flee his home in search of safety. It was distributed during Refugee Week in conjunction with Bradford being a City of Sanctuary.

Pupils will receive their books and teachers will deliver the scheme of work that is wrapped around the text. The cross curricular project has been designed for teachers, by teachers to enable children to gain a deep understanding of the life of a 21st century refugee.

A wide range of subject areas, from music to science and cooking to geography will be taught in the context of the novel.

Funding for the project was granted by Bradford Council as part of their aim to facilitate school improvement across the Bradford district.

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

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She said: “We felt it was important that, as a district, we continued to provide our Year 6 pupils with an engaging project to end their time at primary school whilst highlighting the very current global issue of protecting human rights for all- fundamental values that will serve them well as they move to secondary school and beyond.”

“This year, project leaders have elevated the scheme of work to include all subject areas and provide a three-week unit that aims to be thought provoking and inspiring. Boy 87 has provided the perfect platform for this. This shared learning experience will ensure that all our 8,500 Year 6 pupils go to their secondary school with a deep understanding of a topical and relevant issue in today’s society.

“The poignant story of Boy 87 will teach children not only the importance of British values but also how they can make a difference in the world they live in. At the heart of the project is the fundamental aim to foster a deep-rooted mutual respect for others and we hope that all pupils embrace these values when moving into the next stage of their education and beyond into adulthood.”

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: “This is a superb project designed to prepare our Year 6s for the move up to secondary school so they can flourish in the next stage of their schooling and reach their potential, which is what we want for all our young people.

“We are delighted to be involved for a second year and thank all the teachers for putting together this imaginative plan for our children.

“The subject matter of the book is especially pertinent to Bradford. We are a diverse city with a proud history of welcoming migrants from all over the world and officially recognised as a City of Sanctuary.”