Information on Loughborough

Loughborough girls learn the art of university life.

Posted on 23/06/2008

Anneka Birch and Rinkey Begum at Loughborough University

Five local girls have been given a taste of life as a university art student, as part of a national learning programme.

The girls, aged between 16 and 18, spent one day a week over a period of four weeks with staff and students at Loughborough University’s School of Art and Design.

During their visits they were able to try a range of different activities, including paper making from pulp, printing, book binding and making ceramic pots.

The initiative was organised as part of the Energize E2E (Entry to Employment) scheme – a local learning programme that aims to help young people develop the necessary qualities and skills that will enable them to progress into work and/or training.

Energize E2E is part of the national E2E programme, which began in England in 2003 and is primarily aimed at young people aged 16 to 18 who are not participating in any form of post-16 learning. It is designed to help them develop their motivation and confidence, personal effectiveness and basic and key skills, and to give them a range of opportunities to gain vocational knowledge, skills and understanding. The aim is that they will progress into a modern apprenticeship, further learning and/or a job.

Sarah Crouch, who mentored the girls, says the initiative at the University was a great success. “The girls have really loved it and have gained some valuable experiences. I don’t think they would have considered going into higher education before, but doing some activities at a university has really raised their aspirations, which is fantastic.”