Geddington University has now been up and running for a full school year, originally opening its doors in September 2015 after a grant was awarded to Geddington C of E Primary School as part of Northamptonshire’s County Councils Race to The Top project. The idea was to set up an after-school club with a difference, by extending the school day from 3.15-5pm and offering the children a chance to participate in exciting extra-curricular activities that would inspire and raise their aspirations for the future.
One of the biggest successes has been the partnership with Kettering Buccleuch Academy. Once a week, pupils have travelled across to KBA to participate in science lessons with dramatic chemical reactions and a very exciting heart dissection. The inspiring literacy lessons where different forms of poetry were explored and, more recently, the art lessons in which pupils created a mosaic warrior with inspiration from around the village have all been highlights of the first year.
The University team wish to pass on their thanks to KBA and to all of the staff and pupils who have dedicated their time to this project and allowed the pupils at Geddington Primary School to use their facilities. In addition, there has been sessions led by Northamptonshire Fire Brigade on water safety and safety in the home, with a surprise visit from a fire engine, and the Police ran lessons designed to give pupils a greater understanding of different areas of policing and the opportunity to solve an imaginary crime that happened at school. Father Rob from St Mary Magdalene Church in Geddington has run two separate choir groups and the pupils got to show off their newly found team choir skills at the Easter service in church.
Sport has been a very important part of the journey, with a different type of sporting activity on offer each evening. Netball has been a firm favourite, and there has been matches against local schools. Northampton Saints have run multi-skills activities and games and the pupils thoroughly enjoyed playing rugby amongst their peers.
As well as the exciting after-school activities, pupils have also enjoyed weekend day trips. The first outing was to the NEC to the Big Bang show, with participation in the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths for young people in the UK. The most recent outing was to Rock UK, doing orienteering, open canoeing and high ropes. Head Teacher, Martin Adamson, thoroughly enjoyed the canoeing and even managed to have a paddle in the water!
The success of Geddington University is down to the support from the local community and from businesses who have offered their time. If you have a skill, business or even a hobby that would inspire of young people, then please do get in touch with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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