A collaborative project run by Canterbury Christ Church University and the National Literacy Trust is helping pupils from KMPF partner schools to see that higher education could be an option for them.
A group of Year 9 pupils from St Anslem’s School in Canterbury were the first to take part in the Words for Your Future project, held during the Spring term.
The 5-week programme aimed to help pupils develop the communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace and enter higher education.
In the first session, pupils were encouraged to find out more about university by looking through university prospectuses and websites, while developing their questioning skills.
The second session focused on developing communications skills, while the third and fourth sessions helped develop planning and teamwork and presenting skills.
The programme ended with a visit to Canterbury Christ Church University, where students had the chance to go on a tour of the campus, speak to university staff and give their final presentations.
Dylan Stallard from the School and College Engagement Team at Canterbury Christ Church University said, “Words for Your Future is all about demystifying university for pupils who may not have considered higher education as an option, as well as improving their skills in verbal and nonverbal communication.
“Even for those who decide that university is not for them – it’s just as important to understand the importance of communication skills both in the classroom and in the world of work.”
Those who took part said they felt more confident when talking about themselves, managing interview scenarios and writing a personal statement for the future.
Quotes from the pupils taking part included:
- “It showed me new possibilities I could take in the future.”
- “It made me feel very happy about my future.”
- “It gave me an insight into higher education.”
- “I overall enjoyed coming to the uni and looking around.”
- “I enjoyed preparing and presenting my group’s presentation.”
The National Literacy Trust are an independent charity working with schools and communities to give disadvantaged children the literacy skills to succeed in life.
The Words for Your Future project will run again with pupils from Brockhill Park School in June.