Giants look to inspire Honley pupils on World Book Day visit.

​On Wednesday, pupils of the Honley CE Junior and Infant Primary School were treated to a Giant surprise ahead of World Book Day!

On Wednesday, pupils of the Honley CE Junior and Infant Primary School were treated to a Giant surprise as England International Joe Greenwood and Giants academy product Sam Hewitt both attended for the school morning to inspire pupils ahead of World Book Day.

The day began with the two Giants forwards attending a full school assembly where they took to the stage to speak about their careers in Rugby League, their upbringing and their own school lives. They took questions from both pupils and teachers who looked to apply as much pressure to the Super League stars as they would feel at somewhere like Castleford away!

A personal favourite question came from George who asked “Who is the most annoying player in the team” and although both Sam and Joe agreed on an answer, you’ll have to keep an eye on our social media to find their response to that one.

After that, the pair had to hit the classrooms, and get their heads into some books. Joe and Sam were split up with Joe heading to the library and Sam taking the quiet room. The two had three 20 minute session each with a different year group. And whilst Joe opted for child led approach, where the pupils brought in their own books and had to then read out a section for Joe, Sam went for a more hands on approach as he read the “The Boy The Bear and The Boat” by Dave Shelton, to three different classes of very engaged pupils.

To wrap up the day Sam and Joe went from Supply Teachers back to Super Stars as they were taken around each of the classrooms to take photos and give signatures to all the pupils, a big shoutout has to go to the pupil who asked Joe to sign the bottom of their shoe, I’m sure their parents won’t mind at all…

All in all it was a fantastic day that the lads enjoyed thoroughly, engaging the pupils and explaining the importance of reading and writing and how much of an impact it has had on their own careers is just another great example of the work that we as a club want to do, as to not only get the Giants out to as many people as possible but also to inspire the next generation in the Kirklees area.

Sophie Wilkin, Assistant Head, had this to say about the visit:

"The impact the visit from the Giants has had upon school is already apparent, and we have had many messages from parents expressing how they have seen a renewed enthusiasm for reading in their child. The messages Joe and Sam shared in assembly were positive and inspiring, and placed a huge emphasis on resilience and the importance of  learning. Your generosity in taking time to encourage our children is hugely appreciated and will leave them with brilliant memories and a renewed love of reading."

And as a thanks to the pupils and parents of Honely CE Junior School, we will be sending an exclusive offer to the schools pupils and parents for our next home game, the double header fixture between the Giants and Hull KR. Where the Giants Women will take on Hull KR in the Challenge Cup with a 12:00KO and then immediately after Huddersfield Giants will take on Hull KR Men in Super League Round 5. Two fantastic opportunities for pupils and parents to come and watch the Giants who came to their school!

Watch some of their visit below!