THE Free Press Passports for Schools scheme has proved a hit with pupils at St Mary's C of E Combined School.

St Mary's is among many schools across the district handing out newspaper reading passports, designed to bring the spark back into learning.

Bronwen Durrant, Year 5 class teacher at St Mary's in School Lane, Amersham, said: "We discuss what newspapers are for and are learning a lot about the differences between local and national newspapers."

In the scheme, praised by Ofsted, pupils are given their own newspapers and compete set exercises. Pupils need to fact-find, read and research the papers and record their answers in a passport handbook.

To become part of this exciting new scheme contact Julie Stevens on 01494 755122

The Free Press website has a children's section called Coolkidz where children can publish their work. Check it all out at www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/education/kids/