SIXTEEN Hertfordshire schools are taking part in an innovative project that aims to raise attainment levels among five to 11-year-olds -- with incentives from the mascots of Watford Football Club.

Hertfordshire TEC and Watford FC launched Harry and Harriet's Championship Challenge -- named after the team's mascots -- at the club on Thursday last week.

Manager Graham Taylor, a number of Watford players and Ms Judy Green, acting chief executive of Herts TEC, joined 150 pupils from participating schools, some of whom were taken into the launch event on the club's bus.

The championship challenge sets pupils goals such as trying their hardest at all times, aiming for 100 per cent school attendance and always getting to school and class on time. It also challenges them to achieve reading and number work progress in line with individual targets.

Harry and Harriet invite each pupil taking part in the challenge to follow two board game-style pathways -- one linked to "positive attitude" and one to "personal goals".

Pupils can mark off each successful week with football stickers and they receive incentives -- from pens to match tickets -- for each target achieved. At the end of each term they are awarded certificatest.

Schools taking part are Kingsway, Chater, Beechfield, Woodhall and Merry Hill Infants.

Area learning manager at Herts TEC, Ms Judith Cox, said: "Positive attitude is about trying to do your best in all that you do -- being polite and helpful to everyone. Personal goals are individual to each pupil, decided upon after discussion with pupils and parents."

Watford boss Graham Taylor said: "We believe Harry and Harriet's's Challenge is a good aid for teachers to get get children to adopt a positive attitude and achieve high standards. The project is also an excellent vehicle for the football club to reach an ideal audience."

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