Valerie Hall

9 June 2000

Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of the long summer break are looming; "crazy" being the operative word for frazzled parents racking their brains for ideas on how to keep hyperactive children occupied. The answer could be a summer camp or school, where children can let off steam through physical and mental activities, including information and communications technology. What's more, it doesn't have to cost a penny. Many schools and organisations are running their own, supported by Lottery and government funding or sponsorship.....

Some centres in Wales are running schools funded by grants from local education authorities or the EC. Bridgend's special needs service, for example, offers literacy and numeracy summer schemes to children from socially deprived communities. Year 5 children spend seven mornings on numeracy at a local primary school and a three-day residential at Ogmore Education Centre. Last year the average gain was 8.85 months. Literacy sessions for Year 6 pupils involve 19 morning sessions at four local comprehensive schools using the THRASS scheme (Teaching, Handwriting, Reading and Spelling Systems), Word Shark and desktop publishing computer packages, mixed with recreational activities and a visit to a theme park on the last day. Dr Gareth Price, assistant director for special needs services, says: "Last year, there was a significant improvement in comprehension skills and gains in computer skills and self-confidence that gave them a head start in their new schools."…..

Back to TOP

TES Index
Next Reference