http://www.ratton.e-sussex.sch.uk/

Parent Ambassadors attended a training session at Ratton School this week with a view to sharing their knowledge and experience about University life and student finance with other parents. The Sussex Learning Network is running this exciting new initiative, the National Collaborative Outreach Programme. The Parent Ambassadors, who all have children currently studying at University, are looking forward to starting their roles and sharing their experiences. They will be available with lots of information and guidance - look out for them the next time you attend a school parent/information evening

SLN:COP Parent and Carer Ambassador Programme

The programme will offer parents and carers in target schools who have children at university the opportunity to become higher education ambassadors. They will attend events and activities in school and also in community settings to promote university to other parents and carers and address any concerns they may have around student finance and university life. The aims and objectives of the project are to support and encourage parental engagement in schools and colleges and enable impartial peer-to-peer IAG about higher education options and supporting students in higher education.

SLN:COP Programme Manager contact: Fay Lofty, SLN:COP Schools Liaison Programme Manager. f.lofty@sussexlearningnetwork.org.uk

The Sussex Writes Innovation Fund Project ran a session at Ratton in March 2018

This project connects the School of English with local schools via an undergraduate and postgraduate student-led creative writing workshop in local classrooms to provide support and development for students in Years 9-11 who are working towards the writing assessment in GCSE examinations. Sussex Writes and Little Green Pig (LGP) have established a joint mission: to provide fun, creative and excellent learning experiences for everyone – whether a young person, a customer, a volunteer, a teacher or a parent; we also share the same core values: a belief that all young people can be writers and that it supports their learning and development; that volunteers are a core part of our joint project; that HEFCE target schools, teachers and families are our essential partners; that our activities are inclusive, accessible, inspiring and delivered by those with enthusiasm, talent and commitment.

University of Sussex, Little Green Pig and Beacon Academy:

Project contact: Dr Emma Newport, University of Sussex, e.newport@sussex.ac.uk Ella Burns, Little Green Pig and Dr Mark Fairbanks, Beacon Academy.

Programme Manager contact: Debra Vice- Holt, Sussex Learning Network, d.vice-holt@sussexlearningnetwork.org.uk