Over Hall Primary School in Winsford visited by bookworm pirates

Captain Jack and Pirate Pete, from Ellesmere Port-based community interest company, Passion for Learning, surprised pupils at Over Hall Primary School on Friday, September 13.

The kids were greeted as they entered school by the dashing duo, who were giving away brand new, free books for them to take home.

Children also got to have their photos taken with the pirates, making the end of the week one to remember. 

Passion for Learning train and support volunteers to provide one-to-one enrichment to primary aged children in partnering schools.

Over time, they have grown to offer a wide range of engaging learning opportunities and activities for children, including fostering a love of reading.

The lovable bookworm pirates with happy pupil, Polina (Image: Over Hall Primary School) Over Hall Primary head teacher, Claire Edgeley, said her staff strongly encourage and explore all kinds of ways to encourage a true love of reading, as studies have shown this can open more doors for pupils in future.

She added: “We were delighted to work with Passion for Learning again, and to top it off, offer the children a free book from a huge rage to take home.

“Some of the children were amazed to hear they were free.

“As a school, we take every opportunity to encourage and extend the vital life skill of reading.

Pirate Pete (left) and Captain Jack are volunteers with Ellesmere Port-based community interest company, Passion for Learning (Image: Over Hall Primary School)

“Staff are often heard sharing the message that learning to read and reading widely gives you a greater chance of becoming a millionaire."

Over Hall also runs a successful ‘star readers’ programme to encourage children to read as much as possible, both at home and at school.  

Regular readers are rewarded with free books, while struggling readers are supported to find books, authors, and genres they can enjoy.

Claire added: “Passion For Learning have supported so many children at Over Hall and provided so many opportunities, which have opened children’s eyes to new experiences and aspirations.

“I can’t thank Captain Jack, Pirate Pete, and Passion for Learning enough for joining us on Friday.”