ESSEX, U.K., July 21, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Following its huge success with schools across London, primary schools across the U.K. are now signing up for the Story Catcher scheme.
The scheme has proven to be successful in making children want to write whilst, at the same time, helping schools to raise standards in Literacy and ICT.
Story Catcher has strong support from pupils, teachers, parents and authors and the future looks rosy.
With free supporting materials, pupils are guided through the process of writing a short story which is later posted to the Story Catcher website. Pupils then read and vote on stories written by pupils in other schools. While all stories submitted are published online, the final winners are then published in a fully illustrated book.
Story Catcher's first two books ('Spooky' and 'Spooky 2') are available via the Story Catcher website or through the distributor, Gardners Books (tel: 01323 521555).
Story Catcher takes place twice each year (January-April and September-December) and, to register your school for the next scheme, simply visit http://www.storycatcher.co.uk.
For enquiries relating to sponsorship of the scheme, please email sponsorship@storycatcher.co.uk for an information pack.
"The Story Catcher Literacy Scheme is a wonderful idea, well-designed to encourage creativity, and to place it where it belongs: at the centre of children's education. It will inform and enrich everything they do." Andrew Motion, Poet Laureate
"It feels very rewarding when everyone says 'I've read your story and it's good'." Lauren Scoltock (aged 10): Author of 'The Crystal Necklace' in 'Spooky 1'.
"This has been one of the most innovative projects that our pupils have taken part in. The level of interaction between children just before voting was of the highest quality." Soheila Mathison, Head Teacher
"So this is where the children's stories end up; alongside the likes of J.K. Rowling and Roald Dahl." Sophie Hutchinson, BBC TV News.
"These terrifyingly talented storytellers could put authors like me out of a job -- now that's scary!" Laurence Anholt, Author -- on 'Spooky 1'.