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| Issue : February/March 2001 | |||
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Education | ||
| » FC coach puts boot in for Achievers launch: |
 Shaun McRae has kicked off the second year of Hull's Achievers in Excellence programme in fine style. The Hull FC and Scotland rugby league coach was special guest at Hull City Hall for the launch of the initiative, which aims to raise aspirations and achievement among some of Hull's most academically gifted schoolchildren. 360 Year 8 pupils, the top 10 per cent of 12 and 13 year olds from the city's 16 secondary schools, will take part in the programme. They will attend five Saturday classes held at the University of Hull and the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside, aimed at boosting learning skills and providing an insight into student life. Those who complete the course, which is run by the local education authority, will be offered conditional places to study at one of the city's two universities. They will also get the chance to don mortar board and gown for a special graduation ceremony later in the year. Last July, 350 pupils - more than 90 per cent of those who took part - 'graduated' from the innovative scheme. Shaun McRae was full of praise for Hull's 'star players' of the future. "I am very impressed by the number of students involved and their attitudes," he said. "I believe these children can do what they want if they are prepared to work hard and dedicate themselves." Dr Andy Swallow, Hull's assistant director of learning services, added: "Children in Hull are no different to children anywhere else in the country. They can achieve. "This initiative is meant to complement the good work teachers in Hull are doing and instil more confidence in Hull's young people." |
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