8. taking forward the arguments and recommendations of this report in developing the roles of business partnerships in creative and cultural education.
Visiting Professionals 248.
Visiting professionals in all subject areas should be encouraged to visit schools to share their experience of the world of work and to enthuse children about their chosen fields. There are many examples of professional artists visiting schools. These are important but people from many other areas of work have much to offer too. Pupils should be offered the opportunity for work experience placements within the creative industries. Aiming High In 1995, Stoke-on-Trent Community Partnership initiated a major project to raise the aspirations and ambitions of young people in North Staffordshire. The project, called Aiming High, has involved over 5,000 students each year in a series of inspirational activities with the hope of encouraging them to achieve their full potential, whatever their abilities. The project targets Year 9 students and involves approximately thirty schools in a cross-curricular programme of events, centred around talks by inspirational speakers and a combined music and visual arts project in association with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Previous speakers in the project have included Helen Sharman, Britainﾃ不 first astronaut, astronomer Patrick Moore, polar explorer Dr. Mike Stroud, explorer and author Benedict Allen, and Britainﾃ不 first woman to climb Mount Everest, Rebecca Stephens. The aim of these speakers is to enthuse and motivate young people to achieve their ambitions whatever their background or social upbringing. The raising of personal aspirations is considered to be of major importance in achieving a significant change to the social and cultural environment of North Staffordshire, thus contributing to long-term economic regeneration in an area that has suffered from a sharp decline in traditional industry and low staying-on rates in schools. Furthermore, bringing together local businesses and schools in a major campaign to raise awareness of the potential of young people, is aimed towards the restoration of a new pride in the city of Stoke-on-Trent. Information provided by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
249.
The joint DCMS/DfEE initiative, the Sporting Ambassadors Scheme, was successfully piloted during 1997-98 and is now being introduced to all the English Sports Council regions. The scheme provides opportunities for successful sports men and women of all ages to visit schools to enthuse young people about the benefits of physical activity and a healthy
Developing Partnerships
NACCCE report
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