A St Paul’s Academy student from the 'Achieve' programme, which Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) delivers, has said she is “much happier in school” as a result of the initiative. The programme is supported by youth charity The Prince’s Trust.
Louise Kirby, a Year 11 student, said:
“The Prince’s Trust 'Achieve' programme has helped me to develop my confidence, social skills and my ability to work in a team through a more practical environment.
“Niz from CACT has helped me come out of my shell and learn many new skills. I feel more prepared for my GCSEs and I am much happier in school. I look forward to a Wednesday now.”
CACT delivers the programme to Year 7-9 and Year 11 pupils during school hours every Wednesday and Thursday. It has so far engaged 35 students at the school in Abbey Wood since it began delivering the programme there in September 2017.
'Achieve', which runs in schools and alternative education environments across the country, provides a practical approach to learning, and supports young people to engage and succeed in education. Helping to develop life skills and increase employability, it allows young people to gain a recognised Prince’s Trust qualification upon completion. The programme is specifically targeted at young people who are underachieving or disengaged with education.
Niz Miah, CACT’s Lead Tutor, said:
“We are delighted to be able to deliver this programme and work alongside a prestigious organisation like The Prince’s Trust.
“It is an added pleasure to be able to offer this project to the students of St Paul’s Academy, a school with which we hold such a great long-standing relationship.”
Alan Grogan, a St Paul’s Academy Mathematics Teacher and Behaviour Lead, said:
“The link forged with CACT to deliver The Prince’s Trust ‘Achieve’ programme has enabled St Paul’s to further develop our curriculum and has provided a unique learning experience for some of our most vulnerable students. The staff at CACT are of the highest calibre and we look forward to forging future relationships with them.”
For more information about CACT’s delivery of the ‘Achieve’ programme, please contact Dan Morrin, Education Manager, on Dan.Morrin@cact.org.uk.
The Prince’s Trust is the UK’s leading youth charity, which helps young people to get their lives on track. It supports 11 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed and those struggling at school and at risk of exclusion. The Trust’s programmes give vulnerable young people the practical and financial support needed to stabilise their lives, helping develop self-esteem and skills for work.
The Prince of Wales’s charity has helped 870,000 young people since 1976 and supports over 100 more each day. Further information about The Prince’s Trust is available at princes-trust.org.uk or on 0800 842 842.