Be inspired. International Mother Language Day
DofE VICTA volunteer Armaan tells us about growing up with English as his second language Hello, my name is Armaan, and I am bilingual meaning that I can speak two languages and those are ‘English and Bengali’ while I can also read Arabic and speak simple Spanish. Bangla was my first language and I learnt it from my Grandma at the age of one/two. Performing tasks such as singing in the language and generally talking with her, helped when my family moved here from Bangladesh because I could talk to them, therefore allowing me to be more connected with [...]
New opportunity – ITV News Trainee Journalists
ITV News are offering the opportunity to join their national and regional news teams as a trainee journalist. You will be taught all the skills you’ll need to work in one of their multi-media news operations. They're looking for people who can demonstrate a commitment to journalism, have great story ideas and are ambitious. They are particularly keen to receive applications from those who are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and those from lower socio economic groups as they recognise that individuals from these groups are currently underrepresented in the industry. [...]
New opportunity – Let’s Talk Volunteering! TPT Event
Let’s Talk Volunteering – Join Thomas Pocklington Trust's online event As part of Student Volunteering Week, which is celebrated from Monday 12 to Sunday 19 February 2023, TPT Young Voices and their Student Voices group is holding a free online event – ‘Let’s Talk Volunteering!’. This will be an opportunity for young people and students to find out more about volunteering, how to get involved, how others manage volunteering as a student, and ask any burning questions to those who have gone through volunteering and into internships and employment! The event will be held on [...]
New opportunity – National Apprenticeships Week
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2023 is a week-long celebration bringing together businesses and apprentices across the country. This year's theme is 'Skills for Life' - "reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills." Find out more about National Apprenticeships Week on their website: naw.appawards.co.uk As part of the organised events the ASK Programme are hosting a series of free events. Below you will find their list of events and a link to Eventbrite [...]
Let’s connect for Children’s Mental Health Week
Children’s Mental Health Week 2023 (CMHW) will take place from 6-12 February 2023. This year’s theme is Let’s Connect. There are lots of ways you can get involved, here are some of our favourites! Fun activity suggestions from CMHW... Class connections One to try at school - look at the different ways you are connected to your classmates. Download the activity sheet Hula hoop connections Test your team work skills by trying this fun activity with your friends or family and some hula hoops. Download the activity sheet Music that connects [...]
Be inspired. Campaigning for Braille
By Hannah Bromley-Challenor I have always loved writing, from creative writing, to making lists and notes. When my eyesight started to deteriorate in my mid-teens, I feared I would lose one of my favourite pastimes. That was until my school gave me the opportunity to learn how to read and write in Braille. Ever since then I have been passionate about Braille. It gives me the freedom to do everyday things such as write shopping lists, that I can take into town with my carers, or gather notes from lectures at university. With a Braillenote I can write emails, [...]
New opportunity – BBC Young Reporter 2023
BBC Young Reporter Competition 2023 The BBC Young Reporter Competition is open until Friday 31 March 2023 for ages 11-18. Share your story for the chance to have it produced with the help of BBC journalists, producers and programme makers for broadcast on TV, radio, online or on social media. The theme is ‘Me and My World’ - entries can be written or recorded as a short video or audio clip. You can enter as an individual or as a group. Find out all about the competition and how to enter here: bbc.co.uk/teach/young-reporter/competition/zghcydm You'll find all of [...]
UCAS Deadline Day 2023
With UCAS deadline day approaching on 25 January 2023 it's the perfect time to visit the University resources on the Student Portal! You'll find links to help with everything from choosing your course, writing personal statements, clearing and disability support. You can also hear first hand from students studying at university who have vision impairments themselves. Visit the university resources for 14 to 17s Visit the university resources for 18 plus You Can Succeed; UCAS and Starting University By Natalia Foster "UCAS and University, two small but quite [...]
Be inspired. You Can Succeed; UCAS and Starting University
By Natalia Foster UCAS and University, two small but quite powerful words. For any 18 year old, the UCAS process can be stressful, challenging and all together a mystery until you are on the other side of it. As someone who completed and survived the UCAS journey, I wanted to give you my five top tips for navigating it with ease and confidence! 1. Give your personal statement that personal twist This may seem like an obvious point to make, but you would be surprised as to how much the ‘personal’ part of a personal statement is ignored. Something [...]
Be inspired. Dayzie’s writing journey
Congratulations to Dayzie Simpson whose Peace Essay entitled 'Lead with Compassion' won the MK and District Final and then the National Final in The Lions Clubs' essay writing competition. Dayzie tells us all about her experience writing her winning entry. I’ve never been very ‘creative’ or ‘imaginative’ and that’s what I struggled with when I first discovered my passion for essay writing. Being blind and not being able to see anything, I can’t do the ‘writing’ part, but as technology has advanced and I’ve learnt the skills I need. I have learnt how to touch type on a QWERTY [...]