Launch of pioneering project to encourage teens to aim high (From Romsey Advertiser)

Launch of pioneering project to encourage teens to aim high

11:40am Monday 5th March 2012 in Education

A PIONEERING project to inspire Southampton’s young people to boost their exam results, career prospects and aspirations of staying in education will be launched today.

Southampton Junior University is aimed at challenging low ambitions by giving Year 10 pupils across the city the chance to get an early taste of university-style education.

It is hoped 240 bright 14- year-olds from across the city will be identified as possible beneficiaries, who will be given positive role models as mentors, including university students and young professionals, in a bid to try to ensure they fulfil their potential.

The scheme has seen all of Southampton’s secondary schools, colleges and universities come together to work collectively, alongside the city council and Business Southampton, as part of the new Southampton 14-19 Consortium.

Cassie Ellins, head teacher at Upper Shirley High School and consortium chairman, said: “The overall ambition of the project is to raise the aspiration of Southampton’s young while providing them with inspirational role models.

“Academic performance will be enhanced whilst these students receive employment skills training.

“The Southampton 14-19 Consortium will be challenging the young people of the city: they are challenging the assumption of low ambition.

“SJU will provide a treasure map which will help lead the way to fulfilling potential and realising ambition.”

The Junior University will run activities for teenagers between March and July.