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CHILDREN at a Reading school have been given the opportunity to create a new card game and support charity.
The youngsters, now in year 6, from Oxford Road Community School in West Reading, helped local board game designer Jessica Metheringham to design the game called Busy Buses.
Seven Reading bus routes have been used in the game: Emerald 6, Orange 14, Sky Blue 15, Purple 17, Claret 21, Pink 25, and Yellow 26.
To win, players match buses, routes, and drivers, to get the most passengers successfully to their destinations.
Profits from sales will go to Oxford Road Community School and to the Reading Buses charity of the year (the Royal Berks Charity for 2024).
Deputy Headteacher Harriet Page said: “Oxford Road Community School has loved working alongside Jess to design this game.
“It was such a new and exciting project for the children.
“What made it even more special is that it’s relatable to the children and it showcases our wonderful community.”
Jessica Metheringham said: “The children had some brilliant ideas, and I wish we could have used all of them.
“They’ve created something absolutely brilliant and should be really proud.
“Designing a game is a fantastic activity which has taught them so many different skills.”
The children’s artwork was also used in the game, with the whole school being encouraged to send in drawings of buses,
These were then digitally transferred and coloured, and used for the cards and the box.
Reading Buses loved the children’s drawings, and has been supportive of the project, helping to check that bus stop names and routes are accurate – the children are very grateful for their support.
Busy Buses is on sale for £15, online and at many Christmas Markets in Reading, including Artisa Christmas Market on Sunday, November 17 in Caversham, and at Reading Town Hall Market on Saturday, November 30.
Games last from 10 to 20 minutes, and are suitable for two to four players aged six and upwards.
To buy, visit: dissentgames.com/shop
For more information, visit: dissentgames.com, oxfordroad.reading.sch.uk and reading-buses.co.uk
