University of the First Age

Young Leaders

The project started in October 2011 where 100 year 8 pupils participated in youth leadership training ran by the Study Support team.  Year 8’s were selected to develop their confidence in working with others, develop their learning skills and to help them become more independent.

As a result of the training, 94% enjoyed learning in different ways, 89% learnt more about their own skills and 84% found the training very useful.

Year 8 comments:

• I really enjoyed being here because it helped me to discover new skills and be more confident.  Now I feel like a young leader.
• It has really helped my confidence and shown me different ways of learning and the different more fun ways in which things can be taught.
• I think I am more confident and I have learnt more about myself.
• I found it very useful and I feel more confident when talking to new people.  Thank you.
• It was great fun and I now have skills that I can use in the future.

Super Learner Days

 After the leadership training, year 8 pupils each hosted a Super Learner Day at their Secondary School (six schools).  Year 5 pupils from local Primary Schools were invited to spend the day at their local Secondary School.  Pupils participated in workshops on the brain, memory techniques and learning styles.  At the end of the day year 5’s had to design a poster to take back into their Primary School to share with other pupils.

Year 5 pupils described the day as different, fun, exciting, interesting and brilliant.

At the end of the day, 95% of pupils said that they understood more about how they learn.

Primary staff comments:

• Young leaders were great with the year 5’s and very polite.  Thank you for a great day.
• Year 8’s were excellent
• It was a good opportunity for the children to learn different skills taught by the young leaders.

The Young Leaders also evaluated how they felt the day had gone. 

• 99% of them enjoyed the day and now feel more confident leading groups of young people.
• 94% reflected that they felt organised/prepared to run their workshop, a couple of leaders recognised that this is a skill they need to develop.

The Young Leaders were asked to reflect on their skills and learning since the leadership training:

• 98% said that feel more confident in tackling challenging/difficult activities or situations
• 95% agreed that they feel more confident in themselves
• 95% agreed that they feel more confident working with new people
• 95% agreed that the skills they have been developing in the role of a young leader have been helping them in school.

General comments from the Young Leaders

• I’m proud of being a leader
• I think it was very beneficial and was very fun
• I enjoyed it and it was a great experience.  I’ve also learnt new skills
• I have enough confidence to do more super learner days.
• I loved working with young people but its hard work.

Other general feedback for the Young Leaders training and the Super Learner Day’s

 I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful learning experience my daughter had on the Young Leaders course a few weeks ago... as a parent I am very grateful that she has had this opportunity.  Thanks.

Parent of Young Leader

My Daughter LOVED IT!!!! Please Give all my thanks to the young leaders.

Parent of year 5 pupils

I am very proud of the students.
Principal, Thomas Becket Catholic School

My children came back absolutely buzzing with excitement and one child even
said it was the best day he'd ever had. The staff that attended with our
children said what a great event it was, so thanks all round to everyone
involved!
Headteacher, Arbours Primary School

Next steps

From January to July 2012, the young leaders are going to be running a series of Olympic themed curriculum enrichment days for the year 5 pupils, to develop the team ethos and confidence in working in and using the facilities of the Secondary School.  The young leaders will also be hosting a Super Learner parents evening in the Spring.