Who is it for?
Primary Practice aims to introduce Year 6 pupils to the world of medicine and healthcare and help them develop the skills required for a positive and successful transition into secondary school. Local primary schools are invited to participate if their school aligns with the City St George’s Widening Participation team’s objectives, for example, if the school has a high number of pupils from underrepresented backgrounds, as well as a high number of pupils receiving free school meals.
What does it involve?
The programme is comprised of the following components and led by trained Student Ambassadors:
- An information session to give pupils, parents, and carers a taste of the programme.
- 5 after school club schools which follow the journey of patient Ash from injury to recovery. Whilst following Ash’s story, pupils learn about different areas of healthcare.
- Taster day on campus.
- 3-day, non-residential summer school.
- Graduation ceremony – pupils and their families return to campus after they have joined their new secondary school to reflect on what they have achieved on the programme.
Evaluation
The evaluation of the Primary Practice programme has shown promising results, with findings suggesting that the programme has made a positive impact on pupils by increasing their resilience, confidence and interest in science and healthcare.
"Before the programme my daughter was just interested in playing and in swimming … but now she really wants to be successful in medicine. She knows that it takes hard work, and so she is very committed to getting good grades.”
Parent of participant
Download the report below