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Schools Minister Andrew Adonis with Camden Summer University co-ordinator Kim Trehane |
Summer Uni is a lesson to all of us
Schools minister Lord Adonis has praised a Camden project as a model for other boroughs, writes Jane Wild
BRAZILIAN jiu jitsu, movie special effects and a driving school were just some of the exciting courses on offer which lured young people back to the classroom this summer.
One thousand young people across the borough signed up for the unique Camden Summer University scheme, which even attracted government interest.
Some 106 different courses such as photography, stage management, bag making, Chinese calligraphy and journalism were on offer for 13 to 25-year-olds, with many courses running free.
Tomorrow (Friday) will see the grand finale of the project, with the Camden University Summer University Showcase, taking place at the Shaw Theatre, Euston at 3pm.
An extravaganza of performances from students will range from singing, drama, poetry, Mcing to street dance, salsa and asian dance.
Celebrity guest DJ Richard Blackwood will be making a special appearance to host the event.
Schools Minister Lord Andrew Adonis made a special visit to several of the sites participating in the Camden Summer University.
He said: “I am very impressed with all the work I’ve seen here and I’m pleased to see such a large proportion of young people getting opportunities to develop their talents and interests.
“I regard it as a model that will hopefully take place across more and more boroughs across London and I hope all young people will have the chance to take part in summer programmes like this.”
Lord Adonis enjoyed an exclusive view of an exhibition of art works produced by students at Swiss Cottage Library, before visiting the Roundhouse studios in Chalk farm.
There he saw a project entitled Near Earth: A Week of Space Creation, compiled by students using film, photography, animation and digital technology.
And at Westminster Kingsway College the minister watched driving school, food hygiene, dance and singing classes in action, guided by the university’s peer motivators. They are returning students to the summer university who have volunteered and been trained to offer advice and support to the rest.
Xiao Chen, 17, a peer motivator who attends Hampstead School said of the programme: “I think it’s really good. Every year I come and meet new friends and I really enjoy it.
“Last year I studied fashion and design, and when I went back to school my teachers asked me where I learned my new techniques.”
Taking part in the programme also provided young people with the opportunity to gain certificates and external accreditation for the work they produced.
Tickets for the Camden Summer University Showcase are £2.50 and are available until today (Thursday).
Call 020 7388 2424 for details. |
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