Somerset students heading from Year 11 into Year 12 will have access to a wide range of free exciting educational opportunities this summer.

From today (Monday, May 24), Year 11s can register to participate in activities which will help them meet new people, enjoy fun activities, access lots of free information and resources and get a head-start moving into Year 12.

There is a mixture of virtual and face-to-face events and activities to choose from taking place across the county in June, July, and August.

Councillor Clare Paul, Somerset County Council Cabinet Member for Education said: “After a tough year, the Summer Programme provides Year 11 leavers with the opportunity take part in a variety of interesting, informative and supportive events this summer. This welcome initiative gives students the chance to build their confidence as they take the next step of their journey to college or sixth form.”

The Summer Programme has been organised through SomersetWorks, which is a European Social Fund and Department of Work & Pensions sponsored 3-year project managed by Somerset County Council.

SomersetWorks has been set up to provide new opportunities for young people in school years 11 to 13 who are, or at risk of, finding themselves not in education, employment or training.

Students planning to study A Levels and T Levels can book to join an @Level3 Conference Day, which will provide an introduction of what to expect at college or sixth form, tips to develop better study skills, and advice for looking after their health and wellbeing.

Alongside the Conference Days there will be a range of activities at Kilve Court, Charterhouse, and other key venues across Somerset. These will include team-building exercises and physical activities such as climbing and low-ropes, as well as wellbeing and ‘ready to study’ sessions.

Young Somerset will also be offering a series of free activities which will give students a hands-on introduction to interesting subjects such as hairdressing and beauty, horse care, kayaking, conservation, mechanics, and music performance and production.

Other providers offering opportunities as part of the Summer Programme include the Acts of Random Kindness (ARK) group in South Somerset, Weston College, RSPCA animal welfare, Ham Hill Rangers and Bristol Bears Rugby.

The Summer Programme website where Year 11s can register has been designed as an interactive platform with information about the activities on offer as well as access to a range of games, quizzes, videos and live content.

Registration is now live for all Year 11s and can be accessed here:https://somersetworks.vfairs.com/

The programme has been funded by the Education Endowment Foundation and Sunday Times readers as part of the national response to Covid-19. Students seeking support with their next steps, including careers advice and help with applications, can attend SomersetWorks Hubs which are held between 10am and 1pm on weekdays. More information can be found here: SomersetWorks (somerset-ebp.co.uk)

ENDS

For more information, please contact the Press Office on 01823 355020 or email pressoffice@somerset.gov.uk

Notes to editors

Somerset Education Business Partnership has created a video to promote the programme to Year 11 students. The video is available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/APazuBhYZ5E

SomersetWorks Hubs are held 10am to 1pm on weekdays at the following locations:

Mondays: Minehead Eye, Mart Road, Minehead – TA24 5BJ

Tuesdays: Bridgwater SS&L Centre, Churchill House, Robins Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 4DL

Wednesdays: Frome SS&L Centre, 15 Palmer Street, Frome, BA11 1DS

Thursdays: Taunton SS&L Centre, Courtenay House, Blackbrook Park Avenue, Taunton, TA1 2PX

Friday: Yeovil SS&L Centre, Dolphin House, 21 Hendford, BA20 1TQ

SomersetWorks is funded through a grant from the European Social Fund along with match funding from Somerset County Council, Devon County Council and Yeovil College.

The contract with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), as the Managing Authority, is managed by the Council’s Economy and Planning Service, whilst operational activity is delivered by members of the Education Partnerships Service.

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