Last year, we were awarded a grant from Shine Trust to work with schools in Bradford. It has been an incredible project so far, one that is constantly re-shaping and re-imagining what The Story Project is and what it could be.
Our team has grown as a result and we have had more ‘firsts’ than we can count on one hand! This has been both exhilarating and, at times, nerve-wracking! But it also means that we are going from strength to strength, learning as we go and creating something that we are really proud of.
When we initially started the project, 5 schools in Bradford joined. These schools have been with us since last academic year and they have all found the project to be impactful, inspiring and easy to implement. Music to our ears!
As we take the next step and recruit even more Bradford schools (25 and counting!), we are delighted to share with you some of the wonderful feedback we have received from our original 5 schools.
Spoiler alert: It’s really positive!
Thank you to all the staff in these 5 schools. Your continued commitment, passion, hard-work and advice has been greatly appreciated. We cannot wait to continue our work in this vibrant city.
“The Story Project has transformed our PSHE curriculum offer. Our staff love the lessons.
They report that the carefully selected texts inspire the children with their learning about important topics such as mental health, finances and friendships. We have noticed that children have improved their literacy and vocabulary skills around naming and describing emotions.
Children look forward to their Story Project lessons and we can’t wait to develop them further next year”
Michelle Blanchard, Headteacher, Beckfoot Allerton Primary
“When we agreed to take part in the Story Project we did so in the hope that it would allow our children to explore a broad range of issues through story. We know how rich stories can be in allowing children to explore their own lived experience as well as providing a window in to the lives of others.
It has absolutely met our expectations and more!
Children enjoy their Story Project sessions – so much so that we will be looking at how we can build the rest of our PSHE curriculum around it.
The stories are well chosen and reflect both contemporary and more traditional literature. Topics are covered really sensitively and build gradually across the unit”
Gareth Baterip, Headteacher, Newby Primary School
“The Story Project has been a great success among the pupils from Reception to Year 6 at Horton Park.
The pupils are very enthusiastic and actively engage in discussions about the stories. They openly talk about key issues affecting the characters in the stories and relate these to their own experiences.
The Story Project has been a very positive addition to the school environment.
Our teachers enjoy teaching The Story Project and talk positively about the impact it is having for our pupils. We are looking forward to being a part of the project during the next academic year.”
Lucy Azzopardi, Assistant Headteacher, Horton Park Primary School
“We knew that this was going to be a great opportunity for our school – and it sure has!
The Story Project has been such a welcome addition to our curriculum – the quality of the story books, the detail in the planning and the dedication and passion of Olivia and the story project team are all exceptional.
We can’t wait to continue the work next year and build on the children’s growing understanding of how to be a great person who will make a positive difference to the world. The Story Project lessons are a key component to this“
Zoe Mawson, Headteacher, Beckfoot Heaton Primary School
“Children look forward to the sessions and are beginning to develop their emotional literacy. At the start of the project, we hoped that the approach would be woven into the fabric of school and we can definitely see evidence of this.
In English lessons, some children have started to refer to the emotions grid resource to help them with making inferences about characters and expressing their ideas.
The Story Project has also been a vehicle for engaging parents with discussions around mental health and well-being.”
Daniel Weldon, Assistant Headteacher, Bowling Park Primary School
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We’re grateful to the following organisations for their funding and support. With their help, we are building a community to inspire lifelong wellbeing.
We’re proud of what others have to say about us. Take a look at some of the media coverage we’ve attracted.
We believe in a future where all children have the tools, skills and knowledge they need to practise life-long wellbeing, making healthier choices for themselves and others.
