Colston's School - An Innovative Employability Programme
Posted on: 12 May 2016An innovative employability programme launched this year by Colston’s School which prepares students for life in the global economy has impressed industry professionals from across Bristol at an outstanding project showcase event.
The scheme named Future Leaders is the brainchild of Colston’s Deputy Headmaster (Academic) Dr Paul Hill and gives students a head start with preparations for university applications, career choices and of course the employability skills that are in such high demand from employers.
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Run in partnership with leading organisations including the University of Bristol, Google, Super Camps and the Bristol Aerospace Centre, the highlight of the programme for students has been the chance to undertake real - world projects with industry partners over a four month period.
Students have developed location devices with Bristol University, created business proposals for Google, helped Bristol University bring science alive to primary aged children and developed exhibitions to help launch the new Bristol Aerospace Centre.
Deputy Headmaster (Academic), Dr Paul Hill said “The key to the success of this programme has been the partnership we have developed with world-leading organisations who have helped our student apply their employability skills in challenging real-world contexts. Our students are competing in an increasingly globalised and competitive world. Universities have recognised this, as have we at Colston’s. That Future Leaders Programme is at the core of our Sixth Form offering and we are unique in dedicating time within our curriculum for our students to explore and develop these key skills.”
(1).jpg "Colston's School in Bristol - 365Bristol")
Emeritus Professor at Bristol University Joe McGeehan said “We set the students a demanding project which would be beyond the capabilities of most Sixth Formers. The outcome has been incredible and the students have gained tremendous confidence as well as priceless project management skills. We must expose youngsters to the world of industry and commerce during their time at school to ensure that we have a supply of talented individuals to drive the British economy in the future.”
Dr Terry McMaster, Director of the Bristol Doctoral College at Bristol University said “The development of the skills that are required by employers today is vital, and schools must seek to provide opportunities for students to learn, practice, and apply these. Throughout these projects we have instilled the importance of teamwork as well as the ability to communicate a scientific idea or theory in a way that is accessible to all. In all of the outreach work that we do, the partnership-working with the students at Colston’s is one of my favourite and most innovative programmes. The students have boundless energy and possess an inspiring attitude to learning and their own development.”
For further information please visit www.colstons.org and also check out their Facebook and Twitter pages.
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Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
