Cheshire College launch Virtual Primary and Secondary College for over 3,000 local pupils

For the second year running, Cheshire College have recently launched their much-loved Virtual Primary and Secondary School programme, designed to extend learning opportunities, raise aspirations and assist in supporting with the transition for young people at these key milestone points.

For the past 26 years, Cheshire College have delivered an engaging and inclusive programme to support the transition for young people from Primary School to Secondary School and Secondary School to Further Education. Despite Coronavirus changing the way in which we learn, socialise, work and play, the College has responded to ensure its Primary and Secondary College programmes still reach and support young people.

Across the region, the Primary College programme engages a staggering 1,600 Year 5/6 pupils, from 50 primary schools and the Secondary College programme attracts over 1,800 Year 10 pupils from more than 14 secondary schools. In addition, each year around 15 local employers and organisations are involved in supporting a varied and engaging programme of activities.

Passionate about bringing coding to life in the classroom, Barclays Code Playground have been involved with Primary College for the past four years. Kevin Garner, Head of Code Playground, said: “Here at Code Playground we’re proud to be involved with Primary College. Moving from Primary to Secondary school can be a difficult time and these events really help the young people to get to grips with the change in a positive way. As well as preparing for secondary school, the participants also have the chance learn some news skills and have a bit of fun in the process. Can’t wait for next year already!”

Although Primary and Secondary College has not taken place on Campuses as it would normally, the College is determined to support young people in the area at a critical time when they need it most. The virtual alternative will be accessible to all local feeder schools and is designed to support young people whether in the classroom, or as part of their home learning packages.

Rachel Thomas, Assistant Head Teacher at Blacon High School, commented: “We have been attending Cheshire College’s Secondary College programme since the event began and it is one of the best post-16 transition experiences of the year. It is so well planned; it is pitched perfectly to the pupils and offers a real insight into the College and the courses available. It is an extremely valued event for all of us at Blacon High School.”

Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO at Cheshire College, said: “The idea of bringing together a wide range of departments and employers, to deliver talks and activities as part of events throughout the academic year, stretches the boundaries of raising aspirations. It is vital that we encourage young people to think about their futures, as it gives purpose to their learning and enables them to develop the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career of their choosing.

“It is a pleasure that we can work in partnership with local schools to empower young people and ensure nothing stops them from reaching their goals.”

To help monitor and improve further events, schools are also in with a chance of winning a range of prizes, including ice cream for the entire class, by telling the College about their experience.

For more information, please contact the Schools Partnerships team by emailing:

schools@ccsw.ac.uk.

Cheshire College has a range of study courses available, including full-time vocational courses, A Levels, T Levels, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Course. To find out more about Cheshire College, visit:

www.ccsw.ac.uk

– there’s never been a better time to ‘Get In, Stand Out’.