North Manchester pupils tune in to bus stop top tips

GCSE students in North Manchester are being encouraged not to miss the bus when it comes to making the grade.

A poster campaign, themed around chart hits and featuring tips for panic-free exam preparation, will be launched on Tuesday 22 April and run for a fortnight until Tuesday 6 May.

The posters will be displayed on 31 bus stops along main routes through North Manchester including Rochdale Road, Cheetham Hill Road, Charlestown Road and Moston Lane.

Titles of recent chart hits or classics are used as springboards for revision tips. For example recent number one Mercy (by Duffy) headlines advice on how candidates can win round examiners, while Run (by Gnarls Barkley) has a message for dealing with stress by recommending revision breaks and exercise.

Pupils can also download their own revision planner and create their own revision playlist by visiting: www.manchester.gov.uk/northmanchester/gcserevision

The eye-catching campaign, sponsored by the City Council, MANCAT and Northwards Housing, underlines the importance attached to improving education as one of the main catalysts in the regeneration of North Manchester.

It follows the success of a similar campaign across the area in spring 2006 which received positive feedback from pupils, parents and teachers alike. National research shows that outdoor advertising posters are one of the most effective ways to reach young people.

It is estimated that the bus stop posters will be seen more than a million times by people in passing vehicles during the fortnight, while pupils waiting at the selected stops will have a bit more time to digest the message.

Peter Tavernor, MANCAT Principal, said "Students of all ages can struggle when it comes to revision, so we at MANCAT are delighted to support this initiative. I think pupils will be surprised at just how many practical tips they can make good use of - and how small adjustments to their daily routines can make studying much more effective."

Pauline Newman, the City Council's director of children's services, said: "The run-up to GCSEs is an important period but it can also be a daunting one. We're hoping this campaign will reinforce the good work that our schools are already doing to ensure that pupils can realise their potential. At the same time, we hope it will highlight the considerable support and encouragement that's available."

Sue Ratchford, Chair of the Northwards Housing Board, said: "The run up to GCSEs can be very stressful but it doesn't need to be. Reminding students to start preparing early and offering tips to help them with their revision is a really great idea. Getting the message out there can be tricky, but what teenager doesn't use the bus? We are delighted to support this campaign and wish all the students in Manchester the best of luck this summer!"

For more information log onto www.manchester.gov.uk/northmanchester/gcserevision

Media contacts:

Roger Williams or Jane Lemon, tel: 0161 234 3275 / 3179