Current thinking and comment

What did you want to be when you grew up? A spaceman, band manager, racing driver, or footballer? Young people in Manchester are being given the opportunity to experience these roles through the iDiscover education programme.

Some of you will remember the iDiscover event we held in conjunction with NESTA in November last year. You may have attended or may even be one of the learning providers selected to provide experiences for the programme. iDiscover is designed to prepare young people for an innovation-driven society and Manchester is one of only two cities selected for the pilot which runs to July 2011.

You may be asking what has happened since the launch event? The answer… an array of fantastic
activity has been taking place and we decided it was about time for an update.

So far over 300 pupils from Manchester secondary schools have taken part in amazing learning experiences selected from the 30+ on offer designed to develop a range vital skills, plus the confidence and self-esteem to prepare them for the future world of work.

Pupils taking part received voucher credits of up to £200 per term to book places on a wide range of learning experiences covering science, technology, enterprise and the creative sector.

Many of the learning providers involved in the scheme were recruited through the Innovation Manchester network and include – the Manchester United Foundation, Band on the Wall, and Cornerhouse.

Experiences have included a ‘Shipwrecked’ style island challenge, building working model Starchaser rockets, starting a band, and managing distribution networks for a large supermarket. As well as being engaging, the experiences will enable young people to broaden their horizons and develop innovation skills and aptitudes such as creativity, collaboration, self efficacy, leadership and an informed attitude to risk. The programme is designed to test the effectiveness of giving young people meaningful choices about learning opportunities and measures the impact the experiences have on the aspirations and motivation of students and new skills gained.

iDiscover is funded jointly by NESTA and the Innovation Investment Fund and participating Manchester schools include Manchester Creative and Media Academy, Parrs Wood High School and Manchester Health Academy.

If you’d like to find out more visit the website at www.idiscover.org.uk