Chelsea Reading Project

In 2005 Westminster Archives developed a new project with their partners at the Chelsea FC Education Department called 'The Chelsea Reading Project. The project is run by Archives Education and Interpretation Officer Peter Daniel and hosted by St Vincent De Paul RC Primary School, Westminster over 6 weeks between January and March each year.  It is also run at libraries within Kensington and Chelsea.

The project engages primary school children from Years 4-6 in a history based reading project aimed to develop literacy skills. The excitement of football and the Christmas truce between the Germans and English during World War 1 provides the background to this learning experience. The topic is dealt with sensitively through the reading of Michael Foreman's War Game. Parents and children have the opportunity to meet each week and enjoy a guided reading experience.  A particular aim of the project is to target fathers and boys who may be reluctant readers. 

Each week the children read a section of War Game and have the opportunity of handling WW1 artefacts relating to the Queen's Westminster Rifles who famously participated in the Truce.  The final session involves the children meeting Michael Foreman for a story telling session.  In 2010 this is planned to be staged at the National Army Museum to coincide with their Michael Foreman exhibition.