Story: Kath Swinney
Reach High 2, a study support group which offers six hours of support for school age children in Burngreave, is under threat of funding cuts or closure with the new council budget in March 2011. School students in the group work with qualified English, Maths and Science teachers to enhance the work they do in schools.
The government pledged to close the gap between the achievement of children from ethnic minority communities and the rest of the population. Even though the initiative has been very popular and successful in Sheffield, its funding is only guaranteed until March 2011. Year 7 and 8 students wrote questions for a survey which the students conducted on Saturday 15th January 2011. 94% said it helped them with their school work.
The results of the survey and a report will be available on the Burngreave Messenger website soon. Students have already begun to write to councillors to ask for their support. One year 7 student from Firvale, when asked if she would recommend it to a friend, said, “Yes of course. I've told them many times!”
Burngreave's other study support groups are also at risk this March, Burngreave After School Study Support, ITCSSS, Somali Education Breakthrough. You can support them by signing the Young People Against the Cuts Petition available to download from their website, or sign in person at the YCA, Earl Marshal Road or at BCAF, in Sorby House.