Our Post 16 students are now reaching out and bridging the age gap with pupils at Archibald Primary School. One student assisting those who have English as an additional language is Eleasha Rowney.

Post 16 students at Macmillan Academy are now reaching out and bridging the age gap with pupils at Archibald Primary School. There are various roles that sixth form students are fulfilling, including; reading partners, Key Stage 1 football club, the eco car club as well as interacting with pupils from the foundation stage and those with English as an additional language. These young pupils are at an impressionable age and it has been great to see them looking to the Post 16 students as role models.

One Post 16 student assisting at Archibald Primary School is Eleasha Rowney. Eleasha is currently in Year 13 studying English language, English literature and drama. Eleasha hopes to go to the University of Liverpool to study English, media and cultural studies, with a view to becoming a teacher.

She is thoroughly enjoying spending time with pupils at Archibald Primary School, helping out with those who have English as an additional language. Eleasha said ' the time I have spent so far at Archibald Primary School has been an opportunity that I have not only enjoyed but has helped me familiarise myself with various skills that I know will be vital in my future as a teacher. I have been able to work with children of different ages and at different levels and it is great to gain experience of working in a professional environment. I am really grateful to both the academy and Archibald Primary School for giving me such a great opportunity. Being with the pupils is a delight; they have really given me a taste of what it is like to be a teacher. I can't wait for the real thing!'

Competition for jobs and places at university is fierce and employers and universities are looking for more than just academic grades. Students need to be equipped with the necessary skills to become successful after they leave Post 16. The programme at Archibald Primary School is a good example of how students are gaining these skills as well as helping to prepare younger children as they progress through their academic life.