IT'S the secret weapon that is enticing boys back to the classroom.
Leftover copies of the AFL Record the official match-day footy publication have been handballed to WA country schools.
Principals report the results are already speaking for themselves, with dozens of once-reluctant young boys now taking an interest in class discussions.
At Northampton District High School, 475km north of Perth, principal Paul Luxton said many students went to the library at recess and lunch to read the latest edition.
An edition featuring West Coast forward Josh Kennedy could not be given out fast enough. The AFL Record is so popular it has also been incorporated into lessons.
"Some students can't see the relevance of some of the things they are learning in class, but this has been popular," Mr Luxton said.
It was still too early to see any documented results, but many students had recorded a marked improvement in work output and their results.
WA Football Commission development and education general manager Colin West said leftover copies were being delivered to 90 schools, mostly in remote parts of WA.
The program was targeted at indigenous boys, to lift their results in national literacy and numeracy tests (NAPLAN).
Source: PerthNow
