York St John University wins York Cares Golden Moments award

York St John University has won a York Cares Golden Moments award for the voluntary work students and staff have undertaken with local school children. The annual awards ceremony champions the contribution of volunteers from organisations across York who have helped make a positive difference in the community through a range of collaborative projects. York St John University was one of ten organisations who picked up an award at the ceremony. 

The Inspiring Minds programme, coordinated by the Careers, Placements and Student Opportunities team at York St John University, delivers a range of activities to primary school aged children. Run by students and overseen by York St John staff, the Inspiring Minds programme is split into two modules; Healthy Humans and Myths and Legends. 

Each module consists of four lessons in a school setting and one ‘Golden Moment’ at York St John where pupils learn about a range of topics. This year the Healthy Humans module was delivered to a Year 6 class at New Earswick Primary School. Pupils participated in a lesson on the skeleton, muscles and healthy eating, and for the ‘Golden Moment’ they attended a session in the Biomechanics Lab. In addition York St John staff also took part in a 'Day in the Life' assembly where they talked to the children about their various job roles. 

Suzanne Dickinson, Employer Engagement & Student Opportunities Adviser at York St John University, coordinated the project. Commenting on the York Cares Golden Moment recognition she said:

“This programme is now in its fifth successful year and so far over 40 students have taken part. This has given them a unique insight into working in a classroom setting and lesson planning.”

York Cares is an independent employee-volunteering charity, which brings businesses, employees and communities together to make York a better place. For more information visit www.yorkcares.co.uk