Ascent, our Summer term Saturday morning Year 5 partner school programme, designed to provide extra support to children failing to meet national standards in English and Maths and stretch for children who need an extra challenge, was designed in collaboration with our partner schools to help fill the gap in provision at both ends of the ability spectrum.

The programme is taught and managed by Emanuel staff, with the support of a fantastic team of Emanuel pupil volunteers from Years 9, 10 and 12. Each Saturday is action-packed with core English and Maths modules supplemented by Science, Robotics and Art.

In this cohort, we have 35 girls and boys from 10 partner schools. As you know, our partner schools typically have 40%-plus children on free school meals – some have as much as 85%. Aligned with our objective to enhance social mobility in our local community, all children attending the programme are from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We have had a wonderful time over the past two sessions – the children are engaged and ready to learn. They love the Science sessions where they have used microscopes for the first time and worked with Bunsen burners! There have been squeals of delight elicited by splashes of colour, very loud bangs and explosive fire! What more could a 10-year-old want to experience on a Saturday morning?

Feedback from parents and children has been fabulous so far. One mum expressed that her son was working much harder at school – he was thrilled to have been selected for the programme and seems intent on proving he was a good choice. Another pupil shared that the programme was the best thing ever – and then quite shyly said that she realised it had only been two weeks but she really loved it!

Session three is this weekend. We can’t wait!

Mrs L Irwin, Head of Community Partnerships and Outreach