Initiative to encourage positive attitudes towards learning in the district

Year five pupils from Springfield, Calcot Junior, Bradfield, Theale, Downsway, Basildon, Pangbourne, Birch Copse and Long Lane primary schools were involved in day one of the workshop which is called ‘Brilliant West Berkshire’.
The sessions are hosted by Birch Copse Primary School, Tilehurst, and are run by happiness expert and children’s author, Andy Cope.
The course is being held on three days across November and hopes to encourage pupils to feel more positive about their learning.
The children will then have six months to spread positive messagesbefore the schools meet again for an event in the summer, at which each school will present what they’ve done and how far they’ve managed to spread the word.
Mr Cope said: “The children were awesome.
“I’m not sure they quite knew what to expect but as soon as they realised it was all about simple messages that would make a real difference to their families and schools, they jumped at the opportunity.”
Member of West Berkshire Council’s school improvement team and ex-headteacher Barbara Hunter said: “Good grades are crucial, but it’s equally important for our schools to turn out well rounded young people who are capable of learning throughout their life, so we are focusing on the attitudes to learning; confidence, happiness, resilience and personal responsibility.
“Our belief is that when children are feeling good about themselves and their life, they learn more effectively.”