Getting youngsters back on track
http://www.dailyfix.co.uk/articles/81047/1/Getting-youngsters-back-on-track/Page1.html
By Chief Editor
Published on 16 Mar 2009
Some of the county’s 14-16 year olds who have previously struggled with their learning are now back on track to gain qualifications because of a new innovative programme in Herefordshire.
Around five percent of Herefordshire’s young people in years 10 and 11 have the potential to end up dropping out of traditional education every year, which is lower than the national average, but a concern nevertheless. The reasons vary but can include difficulties at home, problems with peers at school or difficulty relating the school environment to future careers and work.
Under the new Live and Learn programme launched in 2008, arrangements have been made for 250 pupils to spend one a day week out of school working on practical work-based activities to encourage them back into learning.
Organisations involved in the scheme include Keith St Peters hairdressers, the Wye Wood project, Taste for Adventure, Herefordshire College of Technology and CVS Herefordshire. As well as providing practical work related opportunities for the young people, these organisations are involved in mentoring them, providing support and guidance and helping them understand the learning required to embark on specific professions.
Lisa Amos from Herefordshire Council, said: “By pursuing one day a week of practical work-related activities in a real working environment, pupils are able to see how their school work relates to the world of work and this has been of great benefit to them.
“The project offers a second chance for pupils who become disengaged from school and has proved to be a much needed lifeline – it’s a route back into education. It has meant some children at risk of exclusion have now settled back into school and are doing really well.”
Anyone wanting more information about the programme which is funded by the European Social Fund, or any businesses wanting to get involved, should contact Lisa on 01432 260379.
Around five percent of Herefordshire’s young people in years 10 and 11 have the potential to end up dropping out of traditional education every year, which is lower than the national average, but a concern nevertheless. The reasons vary but can include difficulties at home, problems with peers at school or difficulty relating the school environment to future careers and work.
Under the new Live and Learn programme launched in 2008, arrangements have been made for 250 pupils to spend one a day week out of school working on practical work-based activities to encourage them back into learning.
Organisations involved in the scheme include Keith St Peters hairdressers, the Wye Wood project, Taste for Adventure, Herefordshire College of Technology and CVS Herefordshire. As well as providing practical work related opportunities for the young people, these organisations are involved in mentoring them, providing support and guidance and helping them understand the learning required to embark on specific professions.
Lisa Amos from Herefordshire Council, said: “By pursuing one day a week of practical work-related activities in a real working environment, pupils are able to see how their school work relates to the world of work and this has been of great benefit to them.
“The project offers a second chance for pupils who become disengaged from school and has proved to be a much needed lifeline – it’s a route back into education. It has meant some children at risk of exclusion have now settled back into school and are doing really well.”
Anyone wanting more information about the programme which is funded by the European Social Fund, or any businesses wanting to get involved, should contact Lisa on 01432 260379.