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Background

The summer of 2002 saw the second year of the University of the First Age (UFA) nation-wide Summer School programme sponsored by the New Opportunities Fund.  An enormous variety of activities took place including:

• Healthy Living issues
• Citizenship issues
• Performing arts
• Environmental issues
• Murder mysteries
• 'Ready Steady Cook'
• Overcoming a ship wreck 
• Creating art exhibitions for display in local art galleries and museums

All of the activities were based on the UFA Summer Challenge model which aims to set students a realistic challenge to be completed by the end of the week by using a range of skills and intellectual attributes, strongly emphasising team work, creativity and problem solving.  It also aims to raise students’ self-esteem and increase their understanding of their own learning power.  Managing their own learning and developing learning to learn skills are integral parts of all UFA learning programmes – whether they be Summer Schools, Easter revision, or term-time Out of Hours Learning. 

Corby Summer School 2002

What was planned?

Corby Education Action Zone (EAZ) Summer School had 120 places available for Year 6 rising Year 7 students.  It was decided there would be one big Summer School for the students who from September would attend the four secondary schools in the EAZ.  The venue was the local College of Further Education, in an attempt to raise aspirations by familiarising the students with the idea of Further Education. There was to be a strong emphasis on developing self-esteem, and enjoyment of learning and a pride in Corby.  The Challenge was to launch a "Save the Triangle" campaign to show the potential use of one of the few local amenities for young people, which was under threat of closure. 

What was done?

The students visited the site, and then devised various ways it could be used to its full potential.  They created a scaled model to show what could happen in various parts of the stadium, they put on a five-a-side football tournament, a fashion show, a pop concert, a highland dancing exhibition and a display of photographs of the Triangle and their week, to demonstrate how the Triangle could be used more effectively.  On the Friday afternoon they presented their ideas, to an audience of parents and local people, using ICT to produce advertising posters, tickets, invitations and programmes for the event.  Another feature of this Summer School was the use of older students in the News Team who worked with the local newspaper - The Evening Telegraph - to produce a spread about the events, and as peer tutors helping the younger students to achieve their goals.

What has been learnt?

While producing the material for the Friday afternoon event the students improved their ICT skills.  Not only did their comments at the end of the week attest to their enjoyment and learning but the fact that over 70 students successfully completed their Youth Challenge Award meant that they had something tangible to take away with them for the future. 

What has been the impact and how is it verified?

The statistical evaluation of the questionnaires at the end of the week gives an indication of the impact of the Summer School.

NB: The results of the statistical evaluation can be viewed on the printable version of this case study.  Please click on the icon on the top right hand corner of the screen.