Following the success of our initial Maths Project, funded by the Young Ealing Foundations Supplementary Learning Project, we have been delighted to have the funding extended to 2021.
The initial project in 2019, enabled us to provide drop in, and weekly low-cost tuition sessions, in a vital core subject that many students can find difficult, and less engaging. By hosting these sessions, that were accessible to all (£2 per session, free for those on Free School Meals) with young tutors and local experts, we were able to support a variety of students outside of school, grow their in-school attainment and confidence in the topic.
As the pandemic hit, this project was in great demand - more than ever - and as such our plans changed to an online, more wide-scale project in all topics. (see our Summer School 2020 page... and p.s. keep an eye on the events page for something happening soon!)
However, once students went back to school in September 2020, our team knew that the pupils would still need support in many core topics, that they needed to catch up on, or - had grown to love!
And this coincided with the relaunch of the YEF grant, which we were beyond thrilled to be accepted for once again. But we brought this project back better than ever - covering Maths, Science, and English this time!
This time around the delivery had to be totally online - but it meant we could accommodate more young people. With the first session free for all, it also allowed people to see what we could offer.
Then booked in 5-week blocks, (Just £3.50 per week, or free for those on Free School Meals) meant that the students were able to form groups, make friends, and develop through topics together. We have been delighted to see students book block after block, staying with us for the entire duration, and even trying new subjects.
This wouldn't have been possible without our tutors, Ahmed in Maths, Suzy for Early Years, Felix for English, and Zoheb for Science - who have brought interactive and enjoyable learning to students age 3-18 week after week.
Felix has said: "Teaching with Znaniye has been such an excellent and rewarding experience - seeing the kids improve over time, come out of their shells, and begin to gain confidence makes the weekly sessions a joy to hold. I also feel that the kids, throughout the lockdown period, have really enjoyed the chance to work on something that isn't just school work, but still be learning at the same time and widening their horizons and scope."
Whilst Suzy, who works with our Early Years Children told us: "Working as an Early Years Practitioner, I have thoroughly enjoyed this project, not only being able to reach young children who have been impacted by the pandemic but also their parents and carers. Watching their confidence grow week by week has been inspiring. The project has also enabled me to signpost parents to other services in the Borough and I look forward to continuing to engage children at such a crucial time."
We cannot thank the Young Ealing Foundation, our tutors, volunteers, and importantly our students for such a wonderful project.