Woodsmith Mine Education Project Improving School Attendance

Wednesday, 3 April 2024 06:00

By Matthew Pells

A pilot education programme put together by local schools and the owner of Whitby's Woodsmith Mine is seeing success increasing school attendance figures.

The Achieve programme is funded by Anglo American and sees pupils receive mentoring alongside a programme of extra curricular activities, to boost their confidence and engagement with education.

Rich Adams is Anglo American's education programme specialist, he says the pupils involved in the programme are already demonstrating increased attendance.

Rich Adams - says the "Achieve Programme" has helped to deliver a range of trips and visits to get pupils engaged in science, technology and business subjects.

The Achieve programme is currently undergoing a three year pilot run but Rich says the company has much longer term ambitions for it's education support programme.

The pilot project is working with four schools on the Yorkshire Coast but could expand at the end of the pilot phase.

Jordan Philliskirk, Assistant Headteacher for Achievement & Standards at Scalby School, Scarborough said:

“Achieve has been imperative in raising the aspirations of our students whilst exposing them to incredible opportunities. It has helped develop their academic potential as well as promoting fundamental social skills, challenge and resilience. This is a programme that we have been crying out for for many years now.”

Matt Parsons, Social Performance Manager for Anglo American’s Woodsmith Project said:

“Achieve offers extensive support for the schools in our local area as we believe all children should be equipped to achieve their potential, regardless of their background. Achieve gives all children the same opportunities to thrive. We have also engaged with over 8,000 students over the last year through broader outreach,”

The Achieve programme is mainly focused on delivering community support but Anglo American say the programme will also help them to ensure the skills they need are present in the local community.

The project is now employing over 1,400 local people, which is 70% of the total workforce.

Tom McCulley, CEO of the Woodsmith Project, added:

“Our purpose at Anglo American is to re-imagine mining to improve people’s lives and we are doing that right here in North Yorkshire and Teesside - helping to make a positive difference locally and in the world for decades to come.”