Kim Terrar, principal at Stoke College, discusses the extensive benefits of outreach programmes in schools
As principal of Stoke College, I have witnessed the impact that outreach programmes can have on both students and the wider community. At Stoke College, our mission extends beyond our own students to encompass the broader educational landscape. Our Outreach Programme is a testament to this commitment, as we share our resources, expertise and beautiful campus with others to create a more enriched and diverse educational environment for all.
The primary objective of our Outreach Programme is to enhance school curricula by offering experiences that go beyond the classroom setting. At Stoke College, we’ve developed a range of workshops catering to different academic and artistic interests, providing students with opportunities to engage in rigorous and creative learning. These workshops are thoughtfully designed to challenge students intellectually, while inspiring a love of learning.
For example, our mathematics and computer science sessions are specifically crafted to build confidence and demystify these crucial subjects. Meanwhile, our performing arts workshops help students develop public speaking and performance skills, encouraging both creativity and self-expression. Through these activities, we provide students with valuable skills and experiences that complement and enhance their regular school curriculum.
The environment in which learning takes place is crucial for building student engagement and inspiration. At Stoke College, we are fortunate to have a campus both historically significant and naturally beautiful. Our 36-acre grounds – which include historic buildings and a tranquil stretch of the River Stour – offer a setting that sparks wonder and curiosity in visiting students. The magical atmosphere of our campus often evokes comparisons to Hogwarts, making every visit to Stoke College a truly enchanting experience.
Our campus is not only visually beautiful but also offers various learning environments that accommodate different educational needs. Whether it’s conducting science experiments in our outdoor spaces or participating in creative arts workshops within our historic buildings, students can engage in a diverse range of activities. This variety stimulates their imaginations and encourages a deeper connection with the subjects they explore.
Outreach programmes are essential for building stronger connections between schools and their communities. At Stoke College, we are committed to sharing our resources and expertise with the broader educational community. By welcoming students from other schools to our campus, we showcase our dedication to innovation and community engagement.
Accessibility is a cornerstone of our Outreach Programme. Financial constraints should not be a barrier to educational enrichment, which is why we offer our activities free of charge – aside from transportation costs. This approach ensures that a broader range of schools and students can benefit from the opportunities we provide, promoting inclusivity and equal access to high-quality experiences.
A key feature of our Outreach Programme is the diversity of learning opportunities we offer. Throughout the year, we host a series of Saturday Discovery Days designed for people aged 9-13. These events include a wide range of workshops, from robot coding to theatre skills, allowing participants to explore fields of interest in a hands-on and engaging manner.
At Stoke College, we strongly believe that outreach programmes are a powerful tool for extending our educational impact and building stronger connections with the community. By offering tailored, accessible and diverse learning opportunities in our inspiring environment, we endeavour to enrich the educational experiences of students from our school and beyond.
Our Outreach Programme demonstrates our commitment to shaping the minds and hearts of the next generation.
Learn more about the range of Discovery Day weekend workshops at Stoke College.
