Salford's youngest graduates aim higher for MediaCityUK
Schoolchildren from across Salford have ‘graduated’ in style at a ceremony to celebrate the successful end of the first MediaCityUK Higher Futures 4 U programme.
Over 200 Year 5 children put on their caps and gowns to collect their certificates at The Lowry after completing the programme, which aims to raise pupils’ aspirations and inspire them to aim for a wide range of careers and higher education choices.
This year the Higher Futures 4 U programme was on offer to all Salford schools thanks to funding by MediaCityUK Public Sector Partners (PSP), a partnership of Salford City Council, Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company and the Northwest Regional Development Agency.
The 2009/2010 programme especially focuses on the opportunities that will be available when MediaCityUK opens at Salford Quays from 2011.
The children completed thee classroom workshops and also visited programme partners and future MediaCityUK residents, The University of Salford and the BBC, to get an insight into the ‘world of education’ and the ‘world of work’.
So far over 680 children from schools across the city have signed up to take part in the programme and will be celebrating their own graduations throughout 2010.
As well as Higher Futures 4 U, the MedaiCityUK PSP schools programme also includes three other projects which will be launching this academic year and be on offer to every school in the city:
• Me and My Movie – film-making project run in conjunction with CBBC
• Radiowaves – internet radio stations for every school in Salford
• Supporter to Reporter – intensive sports journalism training
Councillor John Merry, leader, Salford City Council said: “Children and young people are key to the successful future of our city and programmes like Higher Futures 4 U are vital in making sure our young people are already excited about the opportunities and careers that will be open to them with the arrival of MediaCityUK in Salford.
As well as highlighting the benefits that MediaCityUK can bring to local communities, this programme is the first step in ensuring Salford has a ready-made skilled and enthusiastic workforce for years to come.”
Ana Hurst, Higher Futures 4 U co-ordinator commented: “This is a fabulous opportunity for the primary school children in Salford to not only celebrate their community but also to highlight the wealth of opportunities they have on their own doorstep.
The Higher Futures 4U MediaCityUK project aims to raise aspirations by increasing the children’s awareness of their own choices both in education and also in future employment. I am delighted with the way the project is working in Salford.”