Um programa que inspirou jovens a estudar para carreiras que trabalham com animais ganhou suas listras depois de ganhar um cobiçado prêmio nacional. Organizado pelo futuro U, ao lado de Blackpool Zoo e Myerscough College, deu aos alunos de escolas locais em Lancashire a chance de aprender sobre a conservação da vida selvagem e a variedade de empregos disponíveis em zoologia se eles continuassem a estudar mais. Para realmente mudar a vida dos estudantes, elevando suas aspirações e melhorando seu bem-estar emocional. ”
Future Zoo, a course which allows school students to gain work experience at Blackpool Zoo, was granted a Gold Award by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) at its annual awards.
The programme, which is organised by Future U alongside Blackpool Zoo and Myerscough College, gave students from local schools in Lancashire the chance to learn about wildlife conservation and the variety of jobs available in zoology if they went on to study further education.
As a result, over half of the students that took part said they were more likely to apply for further education when they left school.
Judges at BIAZA praised the programme for its “capacity to truly change the lives of students by raising their aspirations and improving their emotional wellbeing.”
No total, 145 estudantes participaram das sessões de três dias, sete dos quais nunca haviam visitado um zoológico antes. Os alunos aprenderam sobre a identificação de espécies, melhorando os habitats e gabinetes, pesquisa e treinamento em animais. Indil, do zookeeping à conservação. futuro. ”
Future U works across Lancashire to increase career and Higher Education aspirations for young people and encourage teenagers to think about studying at university and their career aspirations.
Theo Blackburn, Future U Programme Manager, said: “Future Zoo has offered pupils an incredible opportunity to learn and experience what a career at a zoo might entail, from zookeeping to conservation. The experiences the zoo offered, including feeding giraffes and zebras, and getting up close with elephants, were unforgettable and a first for many of the pupils.
“The team at Blackpool Zoo were inspirational and many of the pupils have commented on how much they appreciated the trip and are now considering a career working with animals in the future.”
Jackie Hough, do Myerscough College, acrescentou:“ O Myerscough College trabalhou em parceria com o Lancashire Future U agora há alguns anos e tem uma longa história de colaboração com o Blackpool Zoo, para que você se recompense para que o Future Zoo Project ganhe um prêmio de ouro do BIAZA. pode ter sobre os jovens e suas habilidades e aspirações de empregabilidade. O Myerscough College e a equipe de estudos de animais estão empolgados por se envolver ativamente na próxima corrida do zoológico futuro com o zoológico de Blackpool e o futuro U durante o próximo ano. ”
“To work on this collaborative project is so rewarding, as you get to see the difference ‘real life’ experiences can have on young people and their employability skills and aspirations. Myerscough College and the Animal Studies team are excited to be actively involved in the next running of Future Zoo with Blackpool Zoo and Future U during this coming year.”
Rebecca Reynolds, Head of Education at Blackpool Zoo, said: “We are thrilled to have been recognised with a Gold Award at the BIAZA Awards 2020.
“Not only is it testament to the incredible work carried out by the teams at the zoo and our partner organisations, but it is also a tribute to the wonderful attitudes of every single young person that participated.
“The students relished the learning opportunities on offer to them, they were inspired by real life conservation stories and enthusiastic to learn about animals and their welfare. Our research also highlighted that green space and connection with animals had a positive effect on their mental health and sense of wellbeing.”
“Habilidades importantes para a vida também foram retiradas do curso, que são de vital importância para os jovens enquanto se preparam para progredir ainda mais na educação ou emprego. Mais de 16.000 jovens para se candidatar à universidade. Universidade de Lancashire Central, Lancaster University, Edge Hill University e Universidade de Cumbria. College, Burnley College, Edge Hill University, Inspira, Kendal College, Lancaster University, Myerscough College, Nelson e Colne College, Preston's College, Stemfirst, Rundshaw College, Lancashire Colleges, University of Central Lancashire, Universidade de Cumbria, West Lancashire College. Downtown in Business
“The results far exceeded our expectations as we aimed for 25 per cent of students to have raised aspirations, this figure increased to over 90 per cent, which is fantastic.”
Since launching in 2017, Future U has held more than 800 events and activities to support over 16,000 young people to think about applying for university. The programme works alongside the county’s four universities and 10 colleges throughout Lancashire and has continued to deliver activities online during the lockdown.
Future U is part of the national Uni Connect Programme, funded by the Office for Students, and continues to support school pupils across Lancashire to encourage more young people to think about higher education and future careers. The project involves institutions and organisations across the county including the University of Central Lancashire, Lancaster University, Edge Hill University and the University of Cumbria.
Lancashire’s Future U works with a network of schools, in addition to colleges, higher education providers and local agencies to create tailored activities to meet the needs of students for now and the future.
Its list of partners includes: Blackburn College, Blackpool Sixth Form College, Blackpool and the Fylde College, Burnley College, Edge Hill University, Inspira, Kendal College, Lancaster University, Myerscough College, Nelson and Colne College, Preston’s College, STEMFirst, Runshaw College, The Lancashire Colleges, University of Central Lancashire, University of Cumbria, West Lancashire College.
