Paired reading partners in Dumfries and Galloway

Project summary

As the pilot establishment for introducing the Paired Reading Partners programme to Dumfries and Galloway, the Douglas Ewart High School trained 20 S6 pupils to partner and work with primary pupils in the catchment area. In addition, one classroom assistant in Garliestoun was also trained.

The pupil volunteers were subject to Disclosure Scotland checks. Many of the S6 pupils incorporated the programme into their Higher Personal Development course. The training programme was delivered to the S6 pupils by Emily Lockhart from the English Department of Douglas Ewart High School. Emily also acted as overall co-ordinator and managed all aspects of the day-to-day running of the programme.

Starting in September 2008, the tutor pupils worked in eight local primary schools on a twice weekly basis. Bearing in mind that the catchment area is large and very rural, with scattered village primary schools and limited public transport, the S6 pupil tutors were matched where possible to the locality where they lived.

The commitment of the tutors and schools was such that tutors and pupils spent at least 30 minutes per session together, twice a week, for two 10-week blocks. The blocks were planned to begin in September of the academic year and finish around Easter of the following calendar year. The option to continue into May was given, subject to tutor and school agreement.