Inspirational Cool 2B Clever Project launch

This year’s Cool 2B Clever project has had a great start at its launch last week, with thirteen of our Year 9 young leaders welcoming a new group of enthusiastic, academic Year 5 pupils to the C2BC club.

Everyone had a wonderful time being introduced to the project, taking part in activities to get thinking about what being clever means to them, the importance of passion and perseverance, and considering what aspirations for the future they may have. They also participated in an interactive politically-themed session with Year 12 and 13 girls studying Politics.

The day was led by Mrs Good, Director of Outreach and Partnerships, and reflecting on the launch she said, “One thing we talked about a lot today is that in order to be successful, attitude is just as important as aptitude, and that’s what we should always remember - hard work will always beat talent if talent doesn’t work hard!”

The C2BC club is made of the brightest children from 12 primary schools within the Sheffield South East Learning Partnership (SSELP) across Sheffield, aiming to support those who are determined to succeed but may be disadvantaged. The project identifies these pupils and provides early intervention, giving them educational opportunities to help raise their ambitions for the future.

It is also a chance for the Sheffield Girls’ young leaders to develop their leadership skills by taking part in the running of various activities offered for the club throughout the year, mentoring the members, setting an example and making a positive impact on the wider community. Leaders finish the project with more organisation and teamwork skills, as well as developing qualities such as empathy and patience.

The project is a collaboration between Sheffield Girls’ and the University of Sheffield to expose gifted and talented children in SSLEP schools to careers and subjects they may not otherwise have access to. All the schools in the SSLEP are multicultural, situated in areas of high deprivation and have a high number of pupils on free school meals. Children who take part in the project then have the option to apply for scholarship or bursary to attend Sheffield Girls’ or Birkdale School for Boys, to continue having access to top educational opportunities in addition to excellent academic teaching.