Youngsters enjoy open day at Firth Park Academy

A group of youngsters have had a taste of life at a new school through an exciting summer holiday programme in Shiregreen thanks to a cash windfall.

Year 6 pupils who will be moving up to Firth Park Academy in September had the opportunity to get involved in an intensive three-day programme aimed at improving skills such as team work and self-confidence in time for the new term.

The day was made possible through a £2200 donation from Sanctuary Housing, meaning the event was free for young people to attend.

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They enjoyed activities including sports, dance and cooking.

There was also structured design and technology sessions on offer to help get them prepared for lessons at a higher level.

In addition to building up skill-sets essential for their transition to secondary school, the students had the chance to meet and chat with new classmates, allowing them to form the basis for important future friendships.

Amy Thomas, aged 11, was one of the young attendees and said: “It was really good fun. Before I went to the summer school I was really nervous about starting secondary school in September, but now that I’ve met new people and taken part in the activities I’m looking forward to it.”

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Melanie King, Sanctuary’s neighbourhood partnerships manager, said: “We are always looking to invest in community-led projects that address the needs of our residents, and the Firth Park Academy summer school has really helped these young people build up their self-confidence for one of the most important times in their lives.”

Melissa Lightfoot, community and primary partnership team and secretary of Friends of Firth Park Academy, added: “Everyone who came along had a great time, and it was a wonderful opportunity for the transitioning children to build up some important skills.”

The project was funded by Sanctuary’s Community Investment Fund, which has spent more than £100 million on transforming and revitalising the Shiregreen estate.

Established in 1969, Sanctuary owns or operates more than 100,000 units of accommodation and employs around 11,000 people. The group operates under a not for profit umbrella, with surpluses reinvested into the provision of affordable housing, the maintenance of existing properties, and developing services.