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Supporting and mentoring some of the brightest but most disadvantaged Y4-Y6 children to maximise their potential
Cool 2B Clever opened our eyes to possibilities we could never have dreamt of. My child was worried about the prospect of attending a secondary school without her peers. This project showed her that she can make friends wherever she goes. Her confidence has grown more than we could have ever imagined!
Parent of participating pupil
Partners:
- Sheffield High School GDST (GSA)
- 14 state primary schools from Sheffield South East Learning Partnership
- University of Sheffield
Objective:
To support and mentor some of the brightest but most disadvantaged Y4-Y6 children in 14 schools to enable them to maximise their potential. The 42 children selected by their schools meet together half termly for events at Sheffield University, covering topics such as science, entrepreneurship, law, architecture etc. Outside of the university sessions, mentoring support for the children is provided by 15 Year 11 students from Sheffield High School, focussing on building confidence, skills and goal setting.
Impact:
Raising attainment and aspirations of more able pupils is one of the greatest priorities and challenges for this area of the city. More able children attain less well in this area than their peers nationally, yet they are just as bright and talented. The Cool 2B Clever partnership is an innovative approach to exciting them about learning, to raising their expectations and self-belief, and to understanding that hard work and resilience is required to achieve. The partnership with Sheffield High School and the University of Sheffield has widened horizons for the children and their families. The programme is taking a long-term approach, rather than being a one-off opportunity. The vision and drive of the staff and students at Sheffield High School is remarkable and is making a real contribution to equalising the life chances of these pupils.
Marie Lowe
LEA link, Sheffield South East Learning Partnership
