Step Up

MyGeneration’s Step-Up programme motivates children to be connected, and stay connected, to their education by removing some of the negative attitudes generated outside school that impact on performance. Click here if you'd like us to visit your school.

Step Up is a 14-hour, tailor-made programme designed for children who are failing at school. We meet pupils, teachers and parents to identify individual causes of underachievement, such as behavioural problems, gun and knife crime, alcohol and drug abuse. We inspire pupils to overcome apathy, challenging their preconceptions and their expectations. We show them that change is possible by teaching communication, rational thinking, coping strategies and time management. By improving their self-esteem and helping children to overcome family breakdown, peer pressure and cultural difference, we give them the will and the skill to apply themselves at school.

The Oxford-MyGeneration Mentoring Programme (The OMMP)

The OMMP develops aspiration and improves the academic attainment of state school children aged 12 to 17.

The OMMP targets bright pupils engaged with their education and removes the social and cultural barriers to attending a first rate university. Pupils registered with the OMMP visit Oxford in cohorts of 25 to connect with their undergraduate mentor. Through MyGeneration’s dedicated e-mentoring system they receive year round academic support while benefiting from peer to peer learning. Each cohort returns to Oxford at least three times a year for subject workshops, lunch in Hall and debate at the Union.

Between November 2010 and May 2011 more than 75 London pupils will be paired with an Oxford undergraduate mentor. If you want to take part in the OMMP please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Quotes:

I thought they’d be different, but they’re like us. - Year 10 pupil after meeting undergraduates on the introductory day

After the day at Oxford, I’ve decided to work really, really hard and go there myself one day. - Written by year 10 pupil, Amina, to her mentor.

When we invite pupils up to Oxford and they see people having a genuinely good time, really enjoying their subject and what they’re doing, who are still quite - well hopefully - normal, it just shows it is an aspiration to be clever and work hard. - Undergraduate mentor, Barnaby

Pictures from the latest gathering of the OMMP