Oldham and Tameside Year 6 Pupils Meet Author MC Grammar

Earlier in the month, Year 6 children from across The Harmony Trust’s north-west primary academies were treated to a visit from the acclaimed former teacher who is using music and rap to inspire children to read and write.   

MC Grammar explored the importance of words and rhyme through the medium of rap, and there were peals of excitement as the children were invited up to beat box with the author himself, as well as deciding on their “rapper” name and dancing in the aisles!   

Teachers, along with Harmony Trust CEO Antony Hughes, were invited up to their own beat box competition and had to 'show their swagger' to the onlooking pupils.   

MC Grammar is a former primary school teacher who has developed world-wide fame, including appearing on ‘The Ellen Show,’ for his use of melodies and dance to create emotional reactions that help children to recall and embed knowledge.   

The event was part of The Harmony Trust’s ‘Read, Achieve, Succeed’ strategy, which aims to increase children’s engagement and enjoyment of reading to help them achieve academically, as well as developing a love for reading.  In recent years, children across The Harmony Trust have benefited from visits from a variety of authors such as Kevin Sinfield and Lenny Henry.  These visits have been facilitated by Chadderton-based booksellers, Madeleine Lindley.   

Antony Hughes, CEO, The Harmony Trust said: “MC Grammar’s author visit was unlike any other.  He has an inspiring ability to harness great enthusiasm for reading in children and the children will remember his visit for years to come.  We know that reading for pleasure has a profound impact on children’s outcomes and we were delighted to host this exciting event.” 

Rachelle Carter from Chadderton-based booksellers, Madeleine Lindley continued: “This was a wonderful visit by MC Grammar, it was inspiring to see so many children enthused about reading and language.  The energy and excitement in the room was palpable, we were delighted to be part of it.” 

Pupils from Westwood Academy, had this to say about the visit: