Former students from a Soham state college are being asked to go back to the classroom to inspire current students to career confidence and academic success.
The students past and present from Soham Village College in Sand Street have joined a programme run by the national education charity Future First which helps state schools and colleges develop ‘old school tie’ networks allowing them to harness the talents and experience of alumni to support the current generation.
The former students will return to volunteer at assemblies and workshops designed to motivate young people and broaden their jobs horizons so they are more likely to be able to achieve a career of their choice regardless of their background.
Soham Village College is one of a thousand state secondary schools and colleges across Britain which have worked with the education charity Future First. Future First’s vision is that every state school or college should be supported by a thriving, engaged alumni community that helps it to do more for its students. More than 226,000 former students nationwide have already signed up to stay connected with their old school. They’re motivating young people as career and education role models, mentors, work experience providers, governors and fundraisers.
Soham Village College wants to contact former students in established careers and recent leavers in further education, alumni who live nearby and those who have moved away.
Nick Oakhill, Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Manager, said: ‘We signed up to Future First’s scheme straightaway. A network of past pupils with all their valuable experience will be vital in helping us to broaden current pupils’ jobs horizons and equip them for the world of work. We look forward to engaging with former students through this coming and future years.’
Matt Lent, Chief Executive Officer of Future First said, ‘Students cannot be what they cannot see. It is vital to open their eyes to opportunities beyond their own world and show them the range of jobs available. Alumni help schools do this by acting as relatable positive role models. If a student sees someone who has the same background has gone on to achieve success, they are far more likely to think they can too.’
Nick Oakhill is waiting to hear from former students on NOakhill@soham-college.org.uk. Former students can also register with Future First by clicking the ‘For former students’ link on the website www.futurefirst.org.uk.
For further information about Future First, visit www.futurefirst.org.uk, contact Press Officer Sue Crabtree on sue.crabtree@futurefirst.org.uk or call one of the team on 0207 239 8933.
Picture caption: From aspirational students to inspirational alumni – Year 11 leavers at Soham Village College 2018.
Press release from Future First
