Taking the Pledge

SIGNED UP . . . Representatives from some of the schools and organisations which have signed up to the pledge. Front (from left) Madison Kelly (Hathershaw College) Suzy Ashworth and Taha Mehmood (Coppice Primary Academy)

OLDHAM'S new initiative to ensure pupils from every background develop essential life skills has been given the stamp of approval.

Sporting, cultural and business organisations have signed up to support The Oldham Pledge, which is being piloted in seven schools and colleges.

Students have received a Passport to Success, which looks like a real passport. But instead of getting it stamped when they visit a different country, they have to complete activities that fulfil 14 pledges, such as taking part in a performance, doing regular enrichment activities, attending a sporting or cultural event, fundraising and volunteering.

Character

As well as widening their horizons, the pledges are designed to help pupils develop skills and the character traits prized by universities and employers, and are essential to success in life.

Launched in January, several organisations have now signed their own pledge to support the scheme in different ways, from funding to providing activities to help children complete the passport.

They include Gallery Oldham which is offering a free art workshop at the gallery for every class taking part in The Pledge.

Kirsty Mairs, the gallery's education and development officer, said: "It's really important as the cultural centre of Oldham to give young people the opportunity to fulfil a pledge by coming to the gallery and doing one of our workshops.

"Each workshop is worth about £150, so it is quite an investment, but we think it is worth it.

"We want the young people to enjoy visiting the gallery and to feel comfortable. Then hopefully they will come back with their families."

Oldham Rugby League Club is offering free tickets for under-16s, and £5 tickets for accompanying adults, to any of its home games this season, while young entrepreneur and motivational speaker Erik Bishyika will be running workshops in schools to help pupils develop their communication skills.

The 20-year-old has his own clothing company, which he started when he was only 13, and the sessions will be part of his work with Youth Enterprise Network Oldham, which provides a range of careers, employability and student enterprise activities and advice.

He said: "I go into schools and speak to young people and motivate them to take themselves outside their comfort zones.

"I help them realise their full potential and I also mentor young people who want to go into business."

The Oldham Pledge was developed in response to the Oldham Education and Skills Commission which looked at how to improve education in the borough.

Headed by former Education Secretary Estelle Morris, recommendations included developing an 'Oldham Offer' that every school and college should sign up to so that every child receives an eduction which embraces areas such as culture, sport, character development, and life and employability skills.

Hathershaw College and Crompton House secondary schools are taking part in the pilot along with Oldham Sixth Form College and four primaries - Coppice, Roundthorn, St Matthew's and Whitegate End.

Opportunities

It is hoped every school will sign up from September and more businesses and organisations will support it.

Amanda Davies, public sector marketing manager at Delph-based Capita Translation, will be doing workshops in schools to highlight the importance of learning a language and career opportunities.

She said: "People think that if they study a language, all they can do is work in teaching and translation, but that is not the case as there many jobs available."

Lorna Philip, Hathershaw College assistant head teacher, added: "It's really good to see Oldham coming together across different sectors with a common goal."

To get involved contact suzy.ashworth@oldham.gov.uk or 0161-770 8997.