Great Places is proud to publish the impact report of our Raising Aspiration Project 22/23.
We have partnered with Manor Park Primary School to design and deliver a Raising Aspirations Project to children in Years 5 and 6. Using a combination of classroom materials from Positive Footprints and trips to the workplace children were encouraged to explore the world of work, build resilience, character and self-esteem and practice the skills and behaviours they will need to live purposeful, positive lives.
The programme of activity included a trip to Great Places Head Office for a “careers carousel” with teams from around the business showcasing the different roles in Housing using fun activities. Children had a go at using surveying equipment, making a podcast and inspecting a boiler.
A trip to Amelia Knight followed. A global cosmetics company with offices within walking distance of the school where CEO David Salmon gave the children a motivational speech and invited them to take part in a “Dragons Den” style activity where they had to make, brand and market a new lip balm.
Finally, a visit to the education suite at Manchester Airport, a major local employer. This trip allowed the children to see what careers are on their doorstep and finally a Restaurant Event, where the children had to design, cook and serve a restaurant quality meal to parents and guests to celebrate their achievements.
The children were assessed at the beginning and end of the year and scored themselves on their own knowledge and understanding. By the end of the project children scored 97% on the self-awareness questions, 86% on the positive mindset and resilience questions and had an 83% score on knowledge and understanding. Overall we saw a 44% improvement in their scores.
Simon Cotterill, headteacher at Manor Park said: “I am really proud of all of the children for the hard work and dedication that they have put into this project. They have learned a great deal about the real world and about how the world truly is “their oyster”. They can be whatever they want to be. Our school vision is ‘limitless dreams and endless opportunities’ and if the children leave Manor Park with this mindset then we are very happy.”
Becky Banks, Community and Partnerships Manager at Great Places, said: “Great Places want to invest in the financial resilience and wellbeing of our communities and raising aspiration is a key part of this. We thank everyone who has supported us to make this project a success and we hope to build on our achievements next year”
The results of the impact report can be found below:
