ROUND UP
Students soar thanks to inspirational JET
T
hirteen students from St. Aldhelm’s Academy in Poole have graduated with flying colours
from an ‘inspirational’ programme run by the Jon Egging Trust (JET). The Trust’s Blue Skies programme supports
young people who find themselves in difficult circumstances, helping them to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential. Kaye Jackson, Dorset Youth Liaison Officer for
the Trust, praised both the students and St. Aldhelm’s at a special first-year graduation ceremony held at Bournemouth University. She said: “They are incredible and have
immersed themselves in the programme. They’ve taken in every single one of the sessions and even gave us a gift at the graduation to say thanks. “It’s our first year with St. Aldhelm’s and I really
hope to continue the partnership. The academy is so enthusiastic and supportive of what we are trying to achieve.” The Jon Egging Trust was set up in memory of
Red Arrows pilot Jon Egging (Red 4) who tragically lost his life in 2011 whilst completing a display at the Bournemouth Air Festival. During the Blue Skies programme, the students
are guided through problem solving, teamwork, and communication tasks which will provide them
with credits towards a BTEC qualification in Workskills. The programme has already exposed the
youngsters to experiences at MOD Boscombe Down and sessions hosted by Wessex Archaeology and Cobham Aviation Services. St. Aldhelm’s has recently been awarded a
Good Ofsted rating and Executive Principal Sian Thomas was delighted with the progress the students have made. Speaking at the ceremony, she said: “This has
been a fantastic and inspirational programme for all the students involved. “They have really embraced the programme
and have taken a huge amount from their experience with Blue Skies. “I look forward immensely to seeing how they
develop over the next 12 months.” The students can now look forward to a further
two years of the programme. During the second year they will experience
different styles of leadership to help boost their confidence. In the final year the students can look forward
to week-long work placements. And the students have certainly been inspired by their first year with Blue Skies.
SOARING: St Aldhelm's Academy students were proud recipients of graduation certificates after completing the Jon Egging Trust’s Dorset Blue Skies Level 1 programme. The ceremony took place at Bournemouth University.
St Aldhelm’s pupil Isaac Sanger, 14, said: “I
have always been interested in planes and this experience has made me look into being a pilot.” His enthusiasm was shared by fellow St
Aldhelm’s youngster Mya Black, 14, who said: “There are a lot of interesting jobs behind the scenes and it looks like a really exciting career.”
uwww.staldhelms-academy.co.uk/ uwww.joneggingtrust.org
Record number of students to be recognised at AQA Unlocking Potential celebration event
A
n event to honour the achievements of 72 students who have completed
transformational nationwide programme AQA Unlocking Potential is set to be held in London. The young people, who were nominated by
their teachers, will be recognised for their outstanding achievements. The celebration marks the end of the fifth
year of the AQA Unlocking Potential mentoring programme, which has seen a record number of students supported. It will be hosted by education charity AQA and the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, who deliver the programme together. AQA Unlocking Potential uses world class
athletes to empower young people facing disadvantage to make positive life choices. In addition, students also deliver a range of projects which benefit their local communities, including: a mental health awareness day; an arts and crafts space for students with learning difficulties; and a day of activities in an elderly home to combat isolation. In attendance will be a range of Olympians,
Paralympians and other world class athletes who have mentored young people on this year’s programme. This includes London 2012 Team GB swimmer James Kirton, England Badminton player Jenny Wallwork and
European vert skating champion Rich Parker. Sadie Visick, AQA Director of Corporate
Affairs, said: “It’s hard to believe we are now in the fifth year of AQA Unlocking Potential and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see more students achieving great things than ever before. We’re extremely proud of them and how they have made the most of this opportunity to develop their skills and confidence. “None of this would be possible without the
support of the teachers who took the time to nominate their students in the first place, so as well as congratulating the students, I’d like to send my heartfelt thanks to the teachers who support them day in and day out.” Dame Kelly Holmes said: “It’s fantastic to see
how much these young people have achieved over the last year through the AQA Unlocking Potential programme. I strongly believe that it can take just one person to change the course of a young person’s life – just like my PE teacher, who identified my talent for running and believed in me. “I wish each and every one of them all the
best for the future as they go on to be the best they can be.” Emma Atkins, Chief Executive of Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, said: “AQA Unlocking Potential is
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not aimed at developing the potential of future sports stars, but at young people who need an inspirational helping hand. The Trust’s world class athlete mentors know what it takes to overcome adversity and have the resilience to succeed not only in sport, but in life too. “I’m really excited that this fantastic
programme has now finished its fifth year and to see more young people equipped with the attitudes needed to live positive lives!” Of the students who took part in AQA
Unlocking Potential last year: • 70% reported that the programme had helped them with their school work or engagement in school.
• 64% reported gaining higher grades since the start of the programme.
• The community projects they planned and led engaged a further 2,479 young people.
• AQA Unlocking Potential aims to help unlock the potential of young people aged 14-19 who have shown commitment and integrity in the face of challenging personal circumstances with the support of their athlete mentor.
It was Dame Kelly Holmes’ PE teacher who
recognised and encouraged the sporting talent potential of which later led to her becoming a successful double Olympic champion.
July/August 2016
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