University Centre Raises Aspirations for Palatine and Primary Students

Maths was the sum of the day for pupils from Palatine School and five local primary schools as they spent a day at Blackpool and The Fylde College's University Centre, learning how maths is both enjoyable and relevant to local industry.

The 'pyramid' style event brought together students from primary, secondary and further education in a University setting - the first time these levels and schools have worked together in the town's history.

Year 5 pupils from Waterloo, Thames, Revoe, Roseacre and Hawes Side schools were grouped with Year 8 mentors from Palatine High to take part in Mathematical workshops delivered by tutors from Blackpool and The Fylde College and assisted by the College's Student Ambassadors.

The children explored different areas of maths including setting up their own pleasure Beach style funfair where they calculated set up costs versus profit, Blackpool Zoo provided information for a zoo activity where area and space were the key components, while the Engineering department demonstrated how Blackpool Tower and other structures are designed.

Carina Gribbon, L4-l-9 Learning Partnership Manager for the College, said: "As the lead Trust partner for Palatine School, we were honoured to host the pyramid day, welcome the schools to our University Centre and raise the aspirations of young people. The pupils who attended were excellent and a credit to their schools and parents."

Chris Powell, Headteacher at Palatine School, deemed the day a success: "Maths is a key subject and Performance lndicator for the school but it is an area some pupils have inhibitions about. The University days have been Maths-based with a fun element and have been inspiring and motivational for the pupils."

Hannah Bradwell, 10, from Revoe School said: "My favourite activity was the funfair, we had £1OOO to buy four stalls and our group had the most profit at the end. lt's been really fun, I want to come to the College when l'm older."

John Smith, 10, from Waterloo Primary added: "l enjoyed making the zoo and choosing what animals we could fit into the space. We got to work as a team. lt's been good being at College and I liked working with the older children and meeting people from other schools."

Tania Ridgway, Head of Year 7 at Palatine Schoolthinks the joint working is hugely important: "These pyramid days are really good for transition. The year 8 mentoring means there are some familiar faces when pupils move up to high school.

"The pupils have had a fantastic day and the exercises have been really worthwhile. I think coming to the University centre has helped the pupils to realise that they are the future."