Gateshead College has launched a student-led STEM outreach programme for local primaries.
The ‘Children’s College’ is an interactive STEM scheme which offers sessions in coding, engineering and careers.
The programme will run in partnership with local primary schools and offer pupils the chance to benefit from the FE college’s million-pound facilities.
The sessions are designed to support local primary school teachers and raise the aspirations of local under-11s.
Students at Gateshead College will help lead the sessions and gain valuable experience in teaching. The education sector is one of the region’s biggest employers and it is hoped the classes will prepare the FE students for public speaking and leadership roles.
Gateshead College is currently ranked number one in the country for student achievement and has been rated outstanding by Ofsted.
We have excellent facilities, resources and employer networks that we want to share with schools.
– Judith Doyle, principal, Gateshead College
Judith Doyle, principal and CEO at Gateshead College, said: “We have excellent facilities, resources and employer networks that we want to share with schools. It is all about broadening horizons and expanding knowledge about the wide and varied career opportunities that will be available to them.
“Through supporting local schools, we aim to help young children dream big at an early age, to properly understand the opportunities and the careers they could create for themselves and get them excited about their future.”
Jacqui Kevan, deputy headteacher at Brighton Avenue Primary School, said: “The Children’s College provides an amazing opportunity for our pupils to learn more about different career paths at the next stage of their education. It’s a fantastic initiative that is an important part of our curriculum; both the staff, governors and pupils thoroughly enjoy the interactive sessions.
“We really appreciate the investment that Gateshead College is making in helping primary schools to inspire young people and know that Brighton Avenue Primary School is also dedicated to develop pupils’ achievement in STEAM subjects and careers.”
To find out more about Gateshead College, visit their website.