Beckett scheme wins social mobility award

The Junior Leadership Scheme scooped the Social Mobility Award at the Educate North Awards last month.

The scheme is a two-year intervention aimed at raising students’ aspirations to higher education, confidence and attainment at GCSE level.

The students, who are in years 10 and 11, took part in a structured programme of interactive sessions that gave them the opportunity to develop a wide variety of skills relevant to school, university and working life. 

Leeds Beckett’s Access & Widening Participation team worked closely with the pupils’ key influencers, parents and teachers to improve information and guidance for the young people involved.

They also worked to improve attainment through the effective use of our academic staff in enhancing the core curriculum areas of Maths, English and Science. Students, meanwhile, were encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and improve their reflective skills.

Alongside the emphasis on core subjects, students also took part in teambuilding activities, enterprise challenges and a series of workshops delivered by student ambassadors. By taking part in these activities, the hope is that those involved will become future leaders and be inspired to achieve in education.

Feedback from participants has indicated that the scheme has been a success. All students involved rated their overall experience positively, while three quarters felt their performance at school or college had improved.

Meanwhile, 92% said they now have more confidence in their ability to get the grades needed to get into university.

Speaking of the success, Access and Widening Participation Manager Sarah Thomas said: “We are delighted that our Junior Leadership Scheme has been recognised for its contribution to social mobility in the Educate North Awards this year.

"The scheme succeeds in developing the confidence of young people, allowing them to progress into Higher Education. It also enables our academic staff and student ambassadors to share their expertise and knowledge.”

With over three quarters of students continuing on the course for its entire two-year duration, it was clear that it had made a lasting impact on the majority of those participating.

Helen Ward, a teacher at Leeds City Academy, added: “Taking part in the Junior Leadership Programme is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about University curriculum and life as a student at University.  The students take part in fun activities, boost their learning of core subjects, learn new skills from a variety of workshops and also concentrate on leadership & team building skills. 

“This is now the 3^rd year that students from Leeds City Academy are taking part and I have undoubtedly seen their confidence and leadership skills develop whilst on this programme.”