Schools That Work For Everyone - Helping to Improve Education for All Children

The Schools That Work For Everyone report, a UK Government consultation paper published in May 2018, has showcased The Cool to be Clever Club, a collaborative programme between Sheffield Girls’, the Sheffield South East Learning Partnership, and The University of Sheffield, as a notable example of collaborative working between independent and state schools.

Launched in October 2013, the project aims to excite children about learning, and to raise the aspirations of approximately 40 of the most able, yet most disadvantaged Year 5 and Year 6 pupils from 13 local primary schools and their parents, through a programme of mentoring delivered by teachers and girls from Year 9 and Year 11 in conjunction with students and staff from the University of Sheffield.

The programme aims to build aspirations from an early age, and to nurture a culture of intellectual curiosity. By introducing the idea of Higher Education through an exciting activity programme, the children explore careers and subjects they wouldn’t normally consider, which encourages them to set themselves high goals and to develop the skills and values they need in order to succeed.

Mrs Good, Director of Outreach and Partnership, who leads the project says: ‘The Cool to be Clever project has exposed pupils and their parents to opportunities which have challenged their aspiration and ambition, helping them to see that through education they have real choices in life.’

“It also provides excellent learning and leadership opportunities for our pupils at Sheffield Girls’ as well as allowing them to develop a greater understanding of their wider community.

Mrs Dunsford added: “Cool to be Clever embraces a 'passport of skills' reflection process for the children to support their learning and aspirations, helping them to measure their own progress.

The report used the Sheffield High School for Girls partnership as one of its key case studies. We are delighted that it has been cited as a key example of collaborative working and community engagement in the Government's recently published report.

Read more about our community activities at Sheffield High School for Girls.