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For a number of years (6 to be exact), Future Foundations has worked with Wembley High Technology College, delivering a series of exciting and interactive Higher Education programmes for the schools Year 8 students.

This year, “Bright Futures” was held over the course of three days, from the 1st to the 3rd of July, taking place at Fitzwilliam College, one of the University of Cambridge’s largest colleges. The 1st of July was a one day programme, and the 2nd to the 3rd of July was a separate residential programme.

Bright Futures introduced young people for the first time to University life in one of the worlds leading academic institutions, whose mission is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning, and research at the highest international levels of excellence’.

Although Wembley High has participated in the programme for several years running, the year group always stays the same, meaning that for this cohort of students, it was their first ever taste of university. The experience was designed to raise aspirations, boost their self confidence and equip students with a toolkit of skills, to lead themselves to success over the coming years and reach their full academic potential.

Both programmes were Course Directed by Owen with support from Future Foundations coaches Joanna, Colin, Katherine, Jakub and Amrit.  

The aims of the Bright Futures programmes are to:

  • Enable students to discover what they can study at university, tuition style and student lifestyle.
  • Encourage students to take personal responsibility for their futures; to be proactive in their approach to their studies and the future benefits of doing so.
  • Help the students to understand what it means to be a leader
  • Communicate the importance of leadership and the future leadership needs for society
  • Foster the belief that with gifts/talents come a responsibility to use them for the better of others
  • Open students’ minds to goal setting and equip them with time management skills

As stated above, Bright Futures opened its doors on Monday 1st July with a one day programme for 65 students based at Fitzwilliam College, which was founded in 1869 specifically to broaden access to Cambridge. Fitzwilliam proudly sustains that tradition of ensuring that every student, whatever their background, can fulfill their potential and take advantage of the incomparably rich opportunities offered by Cambridge. Saying this, it is also a progressive institution, withholding the College’s motto of “The Best of the Old and the New.”

Working with Future Foundations was a fantastic experience that was especially enjoyed by the students of WHTC.

Robyn CotillardTeacher at Wembley High Technology College

Fitzwilliam is one of the 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge and during term time is home to a community of around 450 undergraduates, 300 postgraduates, 56 Fellows, 31 Bye Fellows and 100 staff members. Prominent graduates from Fitzwilliam College include celebrities, politicians, business people, athletes and more and range from Nick Drake to Vince Cable and David Starkey.

The college has a reputation for inclusion and academic excellence, with former pupils of state schools making up 67% of its first year UK undergraduates in 2014.

Following the one day programme Future Foundations’ staff stayed on in Cambridge to greet the second group of Wembley High Technology College students. This time a group of 40 gifted and talented Year 8 students joined for a two day, one night residential from Tuesday 2nd to Wednesday 3rd. Participants had the opportunity to experience student living, staying in halls of residence, eating meals in the college’s dining facilities and exploring Cambridge in more depth.

If you are interested in bringing Future Foundations training to your school please contact alice@future-foundations.co.uk to explore how we can help your students to reach their full potential.

 

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