South Bristol Youth is a charity that empowers young people in some of the most economically challenged areas of Bristol to prepare for successful futures. John James Bristol Foundation is the principal partner in respect of the 'Elevating Excellence' pilot which will benefit 120 high priority attaining children in Year 7 who are eligible for free school meals at schools in South Bristol.
​The number of children currently progressing to higher education in South Bristol is half the national average and most high priority attaining children leave school not having reached their predicted GCSE results. The 'Elevating Excellence' programme is designed to help these children overcome barriers to learning and to give them the skills, knowledge and encouragement to succeed.
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Children with academic potential will be selected by the schools and will work in groups of 15 per cohort. The eight day activities will include specialist communication workshops, visits to a top University or Education College, employer interactions, careers guidance, team building challenge and visits to a cultural centre.
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​In addition, John James Bristol Foundation has awarded a grant for a pilot project delivered by South Bristol Youth to provide public speaking workshops for 200 Year 9 pupils at eight schools in South Bristol. Schools will select the students that will most benefit from the opportunity and the aim is to increase their confidence and improve their communication skills.