Last updated 19:54, Thursday, 21 August 2008

Aiming higher: Pupils from St Patrick’s School and St Gregory’s School with their prizes from the creativity competition, presented to them by assistant principal, Cyril Wheat.

JUNIOR school pupils from across West Cumbria got the chance to experience life in further education with a trip to Lakes College at Lillyhall recently.

Year Six pupils from St Patrick’s and St Gregory’s School, Workington, Maryport Juniors and Valley Primary School, Whitehaven, took part in a series of visits to the college where they got involved with practical sessions in vocational subjects.

Hairdressing, carpentry, brickwork and sport were just some of the subjects the 10 and 11 year-olds had the opportunity to experience.

The visits, which were organised by Aimhigher with Lakes College, were an attempt to encourage young people to think about the benefits and opportunities of higher education.

The pupils saw what it was like to be a student for the day and get a taster of some of the subjects they could be studying later on in life.

Pamela Mattinson, Aimhigher area leader for West Cumbria, said: “The impact that the visits had on the year six students who attended the college was that they are now more aware of what is available to them with regard to vocational courses after school and will now aim high for the future.

“Having studied hard for their Sats exams, it was rewarding for all involved to see the enthusiasm and enjoyment on the children engaging in practical activities.”

Maryport Junior School teacher, Hilda Beggs, said: “Few parents of these children have experienced higher or further education, children are now more aware of what is available to them after school.”

And Helen Dowthwaite, a teacher at Valley Primary School, said: “This was a tremendous opportunity for our pupils.

“All activities were well-planned, delivered and adapted appropriately for the age group. It was great to see children grow in confidence over the course of the activities, particularly the achievement award winners whose self-esteem shot up tremendously.”

Following on from the visits, the schools entered a competition where they could produce artwork, poetry or writing related to the visit or subject which captured their imagination the most.

St Patrick’s School won the overall prize for their collection of creative work which is now being displayed in the college’s art department.