Children and Young People Team Start The New School Year
This half term has been super busy for the Children and Young People team as we have been starting projects, meeting the children and young people that are starting our Growth Program which runs for the whole academic year, these are primary children and secondary school young people that our schools decided would benefit the most from our Growth Program.
Plus we have meet the wonderful Year 7s that are just starting out on their secondary school journeys.
This is always such a lovely time of year for our team as we get to meet all the children we’ll be working with throughout this academic year. It’s wonderful getting to know their personalities and helping them feel comfortable with us!
Supporting Successful Transitions into Secondary School
At the start of each school year, secondary schools identify students who may benefit from a little extra support as they transition from primary to secondary school. These students take part in a series of transition sessions with our CHEXS team throughout the year.
Each session follows a specific theme designed to help build confidence, independence and key life skills. Before the bell rings for breaktime, we always finish with a fun team-building activity, encouraging communication, cooperation and creativity.
Last week, for example, the young people used LEGO to build a bridge between two classroom tables strong enough for a marble to roll across without falling!
This year, we’ve refreshed our transition programme to make it even more meaningful, with sessions focused on topics such as
- Internet safety
- Keeping our bodies healthy
- Getting involved in extracurricular clubs
- Providing space to share worries or challenges
These sessions not only support a smoother start to secondary school but also help children grow into confident, resilient and independent individuals ready for the exciting journey ahead.
Our Creative Project Helps Build Connections Through Collaboration
Our first project with our Growth Children and Young People is called Creative, and it’s already off to an inspiring start!
Over the past few weeks, our amazing secondary school students have been visiting local primary schools to work alongside younger children on meaningful, hands-on projects. These sessions are all about teamwork, creativity and building genuine connections, no screens, just heart-to-heart conversations and lots of laughter.
Our buddy system works beautifully, giving secondary students the chance to guide and support younger pupils, while primary school children can ask questions and learn more about life at secondary school.
The projects themselves have been wonderfully varied, from painting and gardening to outdoor team challenges and even building football goals!
Each activity encourages communication, teamwork and confidence, helping both age groups grow together and celebrate what they can achieve when they collaborate.
NEW Computer Science Sessions Launch!
We’re so excited to share that our brand-new Computer Science workshops have officially started! This is a completely new programme for CHEXS, and we’re thrilled to be working alongside The Royal Institution and Google to bring these sessions to life.
After a successful trial in the summer term, 30 Year 5 pupils have now been given the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of computer science. Our partnered schools have selected children who have shown a real curiosity and passion for this area, and they’ve made an incredible start!
Throughout the programme, students will dive into topics such as:
🌍 Inclusive technology
🛰️ Satellite intelligence
🤖 Robotics
✨ The magic of computer science
🧠 Artificial intelligence
💻 Coding and programming
A huge credit goes to the sixth formers from Goffs Academy, who have been specially trained by The Royal Institution to deliver these engaging, hands-on sessions. Their enthusiasm and knowledge have made such a positive impact already.
Like all new projects, there’s always a mix of excitement and nerves at the start, but seeing the children’s faces light up as they learn and experiment reminds us exactly why we do what we do.
Meet the Team Behind the Magic!
Our dedicated Children and Young People Team brings expertise, passion, and commitment to every session. With vast experience in mentoring, education, and youth development, they ensure that every activity supports the young people’s growth and aspirations. Learn more about their incredible work and qualifications:
- Nicola Roberts: Read More – With a strong background in education and safeguarding, Nicola plays a pivotal role in delivering impactful and meaningful programmes that support young people’s well-being and personal growth.
- Karen MH: Read More – A highly skilled practitioner, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge in emotional resilience and mentoring, helping young people develop confidence and leadership skills.
- Jack Ferris: Read More – Is a qualified football coach who volunteers in youth football. Jack’s back ground is in education and he is trained following the Hertfordshire’s therapeutic thinking approach formally known as “Steps”.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the next half, we’re excited to:
- Watch our New Computer Science Program working closely with Google and The Royal Institute unfold over the next few months.
- See how the young people on our Transition Program are coming along in their new school environment.
- October Holiday Club Programme, what fun projects will we be doing.
- Still working on our projects Aspirations and Role Model.
- Starting a NEW Boys My Life project.
- Spending time with our children and young people enrolled on our Growth Program.
- Continue empowering young people through outdoor learning and leadership challenges.
- Provide tailored mentoring and emotional resilience coaching.
- Strengthen community connections through meaningful projects.
- Help young people develop life skills that will serve them beyond school.
- and most importantly – HAVE FUN!
Thank you to everyone who supports CHEXS…together, we’re making a real difference!
