Cambridge United Learning Centre gains National Study Support Standard Award

Cambridge United Learning Centre, 'United in Learning', has just been awarded Emerged Status in the national Quality in Study Support (QISS) recognition scheme. The QISS scheme aims to support schools, local authorities and other educational organisations in raising students' achievement, motivation and self esteem.

In order to reach this status the centre had to demonstrate its effectiveness against various criteria within the QISS code of practice by compiling a portfolio of evidence, leading a workshop on an issue relevant to the centre, and then presenting the information for scrutiny at a recognition meeting held at West Ham Football Club.

Achieving this status means that United in Learning now officially illustrates aspects of well-known study support with a clarity of purpose and coherent planning and provision. It also demonstrates a clear link between needs and purposes.

The Emerged Status represents the hard work and also the positive influence that Cambridge United FC has on student achievements. The excellent feedback from staff, student and parent evaluations shows that the centre is an exciting place to attend. Students' self esteem and self confidence and also their attitudes towards learning are greatly improving, and this is also readily seen in their improvements back in school.

The Emerged Status is the centre's first award and highlights the centre's team work ethic. The award should be celebrated for everyone who has been involved at the centre.

The centre has been fortunate to work with a number of different volunteers (Learning Mentors), and has been supported by the club's Football in the Community Programme. In addition the club have been very accommodating and have allowed United in Learning access to players and parts of the stadium as a resource to enhance pupil learning.

Since September 2006 well over 700 students have accessed the learning centre in one capacity or another. Groups of primary and secondary students have significantly benefited from this free after-school programme, which they attend for three hours a week over a six week period. They use a range of resources to motivate and inspire them to achieve.

The certificate was presented to Centre Manager/Teacher Jez Daniel (above, left) at the annual National Playing for Success conference held in Stratford upon Avon.

Fans Director Brian Attmore said, "This is a well deserved award for 'United in Learning' and further recognition of the quality work being done by everyone involved in the Centre. I applaud the superb progress being made.

"I believe that it is very beneficial to the Football Club to develop the important links with the local community through the schools and business partners that partake in this programme."

[More Info: United in Learning]

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