A TEACHER-turned-entertainer who has transported English lessons from the classroom to the stage has been helping Ferryhill youngsters get to grips with language.

Former English teacher Barrie McDermid took his punctuation and grammar show to Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College today. (Wednesday, October 1)

Mr McDermid tours schools across the country to put on shows which use song, dance and humour to help people remember key literacy skills.

Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College invited him to the school to entertain almost 200 year five and six pupils from local primary schools.

Lynne Gibson, an associate headteacher who helps youngsters make the transition from primary to secondary school, said: “There is huge pressure on year six to do well in SATs, a massive emphasis for secondary schools to work literacy into every subject and 20 per cent of GCSE grades are based on good literacy.

“We felt the show was a useful and fun way to help pupils, and teachers, remember some of the rules of language which are so important.

“They are important throughout school, for filling in job applications and for the future.

“Above all, children really love the shows because they are so entertaining and engaging.”