University of the First Age
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An Introduction to the University of the First Age
Sprowston High School is delighted to be working in partnership with the University of the First Age.
The information below is taken from the UFA website and provides a useful insight into what the UFA is and what it stands for:
The UFA is a national education charity. Founded in Birmingham in 1996 by Professor Tim Brighouse, we work with Local Authorities and other partners across the UK. The UFA is committed to working in innovative and creative ways with Local Authorities, schools, organisations, communities and individuals to enrich and extend learning for young people aged 5 to 25.
Our aim is to create an 'open' university for young people, so that they can access a range of challenging learning opportunities in and beyond their school. Being part of a 'university' in early life helps to raise aspirations, increases the likelihood of young people going on to Further and Higher Education and develops skills that will help them succeed in their future lives and employment.
Raising young people's aspirations and achievements by improving confidence and self-belief through exciting and memorable educational experiences is at the heart of what we do. Young people are supported through the UFA to become role models and leaders who develop and lead learning opportunities for others in their communities.
The UFA explores imaginative approaches to training in order to engage teachers and other professionals, parents, carers, community organisations and businesses in transforming their own learning practice. From this training we create learning teams of the adults and young people with whom we work.
One of Three Schools Nationally
This year we were chosen as one of only 3 schools nationally to develop closer links with the UFA. For us this has given us the opportunity to recruit and train 2 very important student groups. We hope that these groups will grow over time so that young people are leading learning both inside the classroom and out.
STUDENT ACTIVITY LEADERS (SALS)
We have recruited and trained 25 students who will be responsible for planning and executing their own out of hours provision (clubs). We have been really impressed by the enthusiasm and passion of the students involved and by their ability to plan and market their activities. These activities include: a mini musicals club; a “Fun to Cook” club; a club making music and recording music videos ; a multi-activity club aimed at giving Year 7 students more confidence and a club that makes clothes and fashion accessories out of recycled materials.
STUDENT LEARNING PARTNERS (SLPS)
We have recruited and trained 25 students who are taking the lead in examining (and implementing) strategies that we can use to give students more decision making and power over their own learning. At present some of these students are carrying out some exciting action research based on themes such as:
- The reward system - does it work?
- Why do boys underachieve?
In addition, some of these students will act as lesson observers, working with classroom teachers to observe how learning takes place in the classroom. These students have worked with teachers to design their own lesson observation pro-forma. Another group of students have designed “Learning Logs” which they intend to trial with Year 7 students as a way of encouraging them to reflect more on their own learning and the process of this learning At the end of the year, the SLPs are also planning a “Super Learning Challenge Day” aimed at Year 7 students.
Involving Students
I hope you will agree that these are exciting developments that reflect our fundamental desire to involve our students fully in decision making about their learning and the wider school environment and opportunities. The students involved have been an absolute delight and a real credit to the project.
We would like to publically thank Elaine Abbott from the UFA who has trained both staff and students and been an incredible support. Her insights and experiences have allowed us to really move forward with the project and “make a difference”.
Logging On to The UFA Website
All UFA Fellows who are undergoing their Fellowship training have free access to the UFA website for two years. To apply for your free membership please dlownload the following instructions and visit the www.ufa.org.uk website. Once there, follow the instructions to sign up.
