On your marks, get set as UWC Atlantic College helps inspire pupils
24th November 2011
UWC Atlantic College has been awarded the London 2012 Inspire mark, which recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The UWC Atlantic College Associated Schools Programme (ASP) was developed in conjunction with schools in three of the more disadvantaged areas the UK: Birmingham, Liverpool and the South Wales Valleys – Pengam High School in Bargoed, Broadway High School in Birmingham and The North Liverpool Academy.
Ken Corn, Director of Outreach at UWC Atlantic College comments: “We are absolutely delighted to receive recognition for our work with the Associated Schools Programme. Thanks to the generous support of The Garfield West Foundation and Mousetrap Settlement Fund, we have not only been able to provide scholarships but also create a series of valuable residential workshop weekends, projects, conferences and other events for a number of visiting groups from these schools – who get to interact with our international student body."
The programme is designed to bring together young people from diverse and contrasting ethnic backgrounds throughout the UK and to foster partnerships that encourage and inspire youth initiatives and leadership skills in their local areas, enhancing community cohesion. The scheme invites the schools to develop exchanges between students and teachers, so that they become a ‘laboratory’ for innovation, with projects shared across the network, creating a multiplier effect.
Scott Dwyer from North Liverpool Academy, a beneficiary of the programme and a current student at UWC Atlantic College, explains that ‘the opportunity to broaden my horizons and aspirations has not only proved to be a life-changing experience but also strengthened by commitment to my local community in Liverpool’
Teleri Roberts, Development Director at UWC Atlantic College adds: "We really want to maintain the momentum with this project and the Inspire mark is great recognition of our commitment. The success of the programme has been incredibly encouraging and we look forward to developing it further in years to come, as we reach out to other parts of the UK.”
Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “The Inspire programme is ensuring the legacy of the 2012 Games starts now as projects like Associated School Programme are enabling people in disadvantaged areas to make positive life changes.”
The award was presented by Paul Deighton, CEO of London Organising Committee for the Olympic & Paralympic Games (LOCOG) on Friday 18th November, at the Recreation Centre in Bridgend.
