Posted 15 August 2018

Over the past two weeks I have completed a Summer Project with the Research and Evaluation team at Go Higher West Yorkshire. It has been a fantastic 2 weeks and it has been inspirational to learn about the great work they do. I have been lucky enough to gain an insight into a wide range of the work that is done by Go Higher West Yorkshire.

My main project has involved working with GHWY’s partner organisations who work in schools across West Yorkshire to improve outcomes for young people. The aim of the project was to collate evidence of the work these organisations do and the impact it has, in order to demonstrate the benefits of their collaboration with GHWY. It was fascinating to learn about the scope of the work these organisations facilitate and the great impact they have on the young people they work with.

I have also had the privilege of helping to process and record the feedback submitted following GHWY’s Summer School. It has been a delight to read the many insightful and positive comments made by teachers and students alike. It was clear that the Summer School had a profound and inspirational effect on all those involved.

As well as gaining an invaluable insight into the work of an organisation whose values align so closely with the values which have driven me in my work with Teach First, I also developed important skills. I feel that my knowledge of KS3/KS4 (I usually work in KS2) and the transition to university has deepened significantly as has my knowledge of the widening participation agenda. I have also developed my research, data handling, evaluation and report writing skills.

I want to say a massive thank you to all of the staff at GHWY, and the Research and Evaluation team in particular, for making my internship such as wonderful experience. I couldn’t have asked to work with more welcoming, friendly and helpful people!

By Cara Rosie-Grice