Students at Ely College embrace exciting opportunities for innovative learning.

This month Ely College has supported learning schemes and workshops in order to teach students essential skills and prepare them for the world of work.

As the new school term begins, Ely College has run some exciting opportunities for students in their Library. As we have done for many years, pupils of the school are being given the opportunity to become Student Librarians whereby they can issue and return books, serve in the school shop, organise the shelves and help their peers.

Students who have embarked on this popular scheme, which has received the highest sign up rate for a long time, are being taught the importance of teamwork and the children are proudly wearing their new librarian badges.

The incredible turn out for the scheme demonstrates the schools on-going pursuit to encourage students to secure their PLEDGES (Participation, Leadership, Excellence, Diversity, Giving, Environmental and Service) both in and out of lessons.

Over the years Student Librarians have gone on to study librarianships, working in the local public library and further afield, including one ex-student that worked at Cambridge University Library.

The LRC will also be running a new reading aloud session. Staff, and hopefully in time community leaders, will give their lunchtime to sit as guest readers and bring classic novels to life. We have begun with 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens.

As well as promoting extra learning in the library, Ely College also encourages STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) events hosted by Smallpeice Trust, an educational charity, at the school.

At a recent STEM event students had to complete the “Smart Building Challenge” in which they had to design and build a system that filters, collects, detects and pumps collected rainwater. This challenge involved using design technology, maths, science and engineering skills in order to stimulate the students learning.

Anne Shaw, Learning Resource Centre Manager, said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout for these new schemes. It is a pleasure to see the children thrive and enjoy the sessions, indicating why they have been so popular.

“It is important for the children to learn the essential life skills practiced in the session, which will further their personal development and help them in the working world.”

Earlier this year, the college joined Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT). CMAT has a strong track record in improving achievement and attainment in the region and the Trust is committed to improving the quality of education and life in the county of Cambridgeshire.