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VIEW FROM THE CLASSROOM
Providing university experiences to all children at an early age, no matter their background
Sue-Ellen discusses how the Griffin Schools
Trust's vision, of Proud Traditions, Wide Horizons and High Achievement, have inspired her to deliver an exciting extracurricular programme, much valued by the pupils and the wider community.
Tell us about your school Race Leys Junior School is committed to providing children with a rich and engaging educational experience. To give you an idea of our size and intake, the
school, which is mixed and for pupils aged 7-11, has spaces for 240 pupils. We have an above- average intake of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. We aim to help children develop their natural
I
n our View from the classroom this month, we're delighted to hear from Sue-Ellen
Lamb, Head of School at Race Leys Junior School, in Bedworth, Warwickshire. For one afternoon every week, the school is transformed into the Griffin University, where children choose from an exciting menu of 'seminars'.
curiosity, awe and wonder, and Race Leys is a proud member of the Griffin Schools Trust, a supportive family of schools. I'd like to think that we are a welcoming,
aspirational school, where every child has many and varied opportunities to learn, develop and shine. We're also not afraid to try new things here, which helps!
What is Griffin University? Race Leys transforms into a university every Friday
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www.education-today.co.uk
afternoon, with pupils attending seminars led by dedicated professionals in a wide range of subjects. The idea of the junior school university is
something that has already been successful in other schools within the Trust. It offers children an array of exciting choices, giving them opportunities to explore worlds that are not always explored in individual subjects or lessons. Think of it as a sort of educational pop-up!
Can you give some examples of the activities? The seminars that the children have attended so far have included forensic science, yoga, pop art, Mediterranean cuisine and business and economics. The university brings a sense of excitement that
the whole school can share. It's something a bit different to the typical school day. So far, the children have loved it, probably because the seminars tend to be very hands-on.
Is there a deeper reason for calling it a university? Yes. It's no secret that we are planting seeds here. Aren't all teachers trying to do that? The concept of widening participation is not a new one. But
April 2022
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