Former students from a Witchford 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 Witchford Village College in Manor Road, Witchford, 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 workshps designed to motivate young people and broaden their jobs horizons so they are more likely to be able to achieve a career fo their choir regardless of their background.
Fenland and East Cambridgeshire has been identified by the government as one of 12 opportunity areas, regions which face challenges in improving social mobility and enabling young people to succeed. The scheme will be funded by the government’s Careers and Enterprise Company set up to provide careers guidance and support for young people.
Witchford 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.
The 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.
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 reliable 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.’
Juliet Martin, Head of Careers Education, is waiting to hear from former students on jmartin@wvc.tmet.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.
Press release from Future First
Picture caption: From aspirational students to inspirational alumni – Witchford Village College seeks alumni like these Year 7 students pictured in 1991.
