02 May 2007
Sheffield teenagers graduate with good behaviour
Hundreds of teenagers, from across the city, came together at the University of Sheffield last night, to attend a degree style ceremony to celebrate their achievements over the last two years.
The ceremony was held to mark the students´ completion of the University´s Achievement Award scheme, which is organised by the University´s Outreach and Access team, for teenagers across the region. The award recognises students´ achievements in areas such as punctuality and attendance and the completion of work experience and coursework, while they are studying for their GCSEs in years 10 and 11.
One of the aims of the award is to help students show prospective employers, training organisations, colleges and universities that they are responsible young people who are capable of completing tasks on time, as well as developing personal and social skills.
At the beginning of each academic year members of the Outreach and Access team go into schools and launch the award to the students. The award isn´t compulsory and students can opt out if they wish, but the majority choose to take part.
Every pupil is issued with a `contract´ that they need to sign indicating their intention to participate in the award and complete a series of tasks. Parents and guardians are then asked to sign the contract to show their support and commitment to helping their children achieve the goals.
After a year on the programme students who are 'on target' are sent a letter by the University to congratulate them on their achievements. They are also encouraged to continue their good work so that they are eligible for a certificate at the awards ceremonies held at the University.
Jan Otter, Education Liaison Officer for the University´s Outreach and Access section, and who came up with the idea for the award, said: "We are delighted that so many students have successfully completed the award and that their teachers and families were at last night´s ceremony to celebrate their achievements. The awards promote excellence in achievement and attainment and all the students, their families and teachers who attended last night´s award ceremony must be congratulated on their success in working together to achieve this outcome."
Kath Iredale, a teacher at Hinde House Secondary School in Sheffield and who has pupils who have achieved the award, said: "I think the University´s Achievement Award scheme is an excellent initiative, which motivates our students to succeed and gives them a certificate they can show employers when applying for jobs. Our school has been involved with the award for several years and throughout this time we have had an average of 70% success rate of students who meet the criteria. One of the great things about the award is the fact that anybody in the year group can achieve it - it is reliant on students doing the right thing whatever their academic capability."
Alix Crossland, a pupil at Hinde House Secondary School, who received a University Achievement Award at last night´s ceremony, added: "The University´s Achievement Award scheme has given me a real incentive to complete all my coursework and keep my attendance and punctuality at a high standard. It also gives me something additional for my CV, which will hopefully be valued by employers."
Notes for Editors: The University´s Outreach and Access section organises similar schemes and events throughout the region in order to develop pupils´ interest in going to university as part of its commitment to widening participation in higher education.
For further information please contact: Jenny Wilson, Media Relations Officer on 0114 2225339 or email j.c.wilson@sheffield.ac.uk
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