University of Northampton students inspire county pupils

A group of PhD students spent six weeks working with 13 and 14-year-olds at two county schools with the aim of inspiring them to work at a higher level.

The UNI Club initiative saw a series of student-led workshops held at Northampton Academy and Kettering Buccleuch Academy, and now the pupils must write a 1,000-word assignment over the summer holidays based on what they have learnt.

Director of Aspiration at Buccleuch, Jo Massey, said: “The project has enabled students to research a topic in depth and explore a different way of learning.

“It has developed their essay writing skills and their team-working skills and it has given them an insight into the methods of study used at university.”

The sessions are beneficial for both the school children and the University’s PhD students .

Environmental Science PhD student, Cynthia Atufu, said: “Before the UNI Club, I had ambitions to teach, but wasn’t 100 per cent sure about my ability to do it.

“But working with the young people at the academy has been really fulfilling and boosted my confidence – now I know that teaching is for me.”

Cynthia added: “I’ve been very impressed with the group of pupils I have been working with.

“We’ve been exploring the issues around environmental sustainability and how they can help to change their attitudes and everyday behaviours, with the aim of having a positive impact on the planet.

“They’ve really enjoyed building on that knowledge and studying in a deeper way over the six weeks.

“Hopefully I have helped to inspire them to consider taking their education to the next level when they leave school.”

The UNI Club is led by the Aspire Schools Engagement team.- The Aspire Network, which is based at the University, and counts county colleges and schools amongst its members, sees partners work together in a coordinated way to raise the aspirations of the county’s young people.