24.06.2010

24 June 2010

World Cup of Stories kicks off in schools next week

The England team may be renewing old rivalries with Germany this Sunday, but five Oxford primary schools will be using football next week to promote global understanding.

Youngsters at Pegasus, Orchard Meadow, Mabel Prichard, St John Fisher and Rose Hill schools are channelling World Cup fever into their own World Cup of Stories festival. Former Chelsea and Oxford United footballer Peter Rhoades-Brown will be visiting the schools all week with his first-hand experiences and real-life soccer tales. He’ll be joined by other, professional storytellers including the Story Museum’s Chris Smith, who’ll be introducing tales from countries around the world.

Children will be swapping tales with other classes both in their own and neighbouring schools. The World Cup of Stories festival will also include artwork and exhibitions and involves parents as well as children.

Chris Smith said: “We want to link everyone’s enthusiasm for the World Cup to a wider knowledge about the many different countries taking part.”

The World Cup of Stories is a partnership between the South Oxford schools and the Story Museum.

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Note to editors: The Story Museum

The Story Museum exists to celebrate children's stories and to share 1001 enjoyable ways for young people to learn through stories as they grow. It takes story performances, exhibitions, activities and ideas to schools and communities. In 2014 we plan to open a magical new world centre of children's literature and storytelling in the heart of Oxford. The Museum's patrons are Philip Pullman, Michael Morpurgo and Jacqueline Wilson. Its Trustees include publisher David Fickling and children’s playwright David Wood OBE.

For more information on the Story Museum vision visit:
http://www.storymuseum.org.uk/the-story-museum/news/press/vision-and-plans