YOUNG British Pakistani students at Ermysted's Grammar School are taking part in a ground-breaking project.

Called Muslim Voices, the project aims to develop the confidence and learning of the students by raising awareness of what it is like to be a Muslim in a North Yorkshire school.

The students - who do not have English as their first or home language - support and help each other to develop their literacy skills.

And the impact of their improved literacy is being monitored by the Skipton school to help the progress of the students in the core subjects of English, maths and science.

It is being led by English teacher Amanda Price over two lunchtimes and is supported by North Yorkshire County Council with a teaching assistant, Mark Richards.

Those involved in the project are taking part in three activities.

Years seven and eight are putting into words their beliefs and perspectives which will be published by the school as Life Stories.

Years eight and nine are working with a professional animator, who worked on Wallace and Grommit and Creature Comforts, to come up with their own film - supported by the school's PTA - about being a young Muslim in Britain.

The final group, from years ten, 12 and 13, are acting as reading buddies for younger Ermysted's students and children from Ings Primary School.

In addition, they have led assemblies and organised a samosa sale, which raised £242 for the charity Water4-life.

The project is also being supported by the school's partner school in Sri Lanka, Zahira College.

The ‘Muslim voices’ project is being led by Mrs Price and Year 12 and 13 students on a Monday and Thursday lunchtimes. The Local Authority is supporting the project with a Teaching Assistant, Mark Richards who is working alongside Mrs Price on Monday lunchtimes. Ermysted’s PTA has provided the funds for the Animation Project.

Please contact Mrs Price (Subject Leader for English) if you would like any further information about the project .

amanda price