ASCENT

In the Summer term, we run Ascent, a Saturday booster programme for 30 of our primary school partners’ Year 5 pupils. Sessions are led by Emanuel staff supported by Emanuel volunteers.

Ascent’s initial aim was to ‘close the gap’ for pupils within our local communities who were hardest hit by the Covid-19 driven school closures. As we move beyond Covid, our intent is to support Year 5 children from disadvantaged backgrounds who are failing to meet national standards in the core subjects of Literacy and Maths. We provide booster curriculum-linked sessions in these core subjects supplemented by interactive, fun hands-on science sessions and co-curricular lessons (Drama, Art and Sport). Our aim is to help participating children to solidify their basic knowledge and skills, build their confidence and empower them to exceed national standards.

Last year, four pupils from our Year 5 cohort successfully applied to join the Ascent Programme, a scheme supporting pupils not just in English, Maths and Science, but also in PE and Arts. All of the participants benefitted academically from the Ascent Programme, as demonstrated in their ongoing achievements and progress now in Year 6. We have also seen these pupils develop their general confidence and they now have a stronger ability to share their ideas effectively in class.

Donal Daly Headmaster of Westbridge Primary