Cornwall Education Business Partnership

Eco-School Locations

This year, Cornwall has seen a massive 120% increase in schools joining the Eco Schools initiative!

41 schools have now been awarded Eco School status, after leading on impressive initiatives to improve their school environments and impact the world on a local level.

Eco-Schools is a growing phenomenon which encourages young people to engage in their environment by allowing them the opportunity to actively protect it. Involving children in the Eco-Schools project in the UK offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the classroom. Participation fosters environmental awareness and education, equipping pupils with the knowledge to make sustainable choices and develop eco-friendly habits.

The Eco-Schools programme is designed to be pupil-led and the Eco-Schools Green Flag is an annual accreditation which celebrates the efforts of young people in that community.

Just a few of the inspirational ideas students across Cornwall have led as part of the project include assemblies, planting vegetables, trees, and herb gardens, setting campaigns for families to take part in, creating bug hotels, nominating eco monitors, creating bird feeders and going on bug hunts.

“This project has deepened the children's sense of purpose, responsibility and ownership of their environment. This was all about engaging in a national project of global value that connects environmental education and action and demonstrates how a small cog, at a local level, can make a big difference.” (Ben Stephenson, Headteacher at Nanstallon Primary School, an official Eco School for 2024)

A huge well done to Cornwall’s Eco Schools!

• Happy Days Nursery Falmouth
• Sithney Community Primary School
• Roskear Primary School
• Trannack Primary School
• Pennoweth Primary and Nursery School
• Portreath Primary School
• Pencoys Primary School
• Porthleven School
• Lanner School
• Illogan School
• Godolphin Primary School
• Halwin School
• Parc Eglos School
• Rosemellin County Primary School
• Garras Community Primary School
• St Stephens Community Primary School
• St Mabyn C of E School
• Richard Lander School
• Weeth Community Primary School
• Happy Days Nursery & Preschool Truro
• Happy Days Nursery & Preschool, Summercourt
• Mawnan C of E VA Primary School
• Redruth School
• Doubletrees School
• Happy Days Nursery Truro
• St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Bodmin
• Happy Days Nursery St Austell
• Sir Robert Geffery's CofE VA School
• Happy Days Nursery Treloweth
• Truro School
• Oak Tree School
• Germoe Community Primary School
• Treviglas Academy
• St Erth Community Primary School
• Nanstallon Primary School
• Nine Maidens Alternative Provision Academy
• CHES Academy
• St Dennis Primary Academy
• St. Columb Minor Academy
• Wadebridge Primary Academy
• Boskenwyn Community Primary School

Go Eco-Schools!

The EBP team visit St Eval Candles

The Education Business Partnership Team visited St Eval Candle Company for an inspirational guided tour to learn about the family run business and how we might work together in the future.

The team gathered at the newly built main office before being shown various workspaces across the site, including the canteen, which overlooks a beautiful lake and provides a perfect spot for the staff to enjoy lunch and socialise. The team toured the factory where the candle-making process takes place, observing the different machines in action and watching the team at work. The manager also introduced them to a machine that was built in Cornwall and is still operational today. This machine specialises in making long dinner table candles.

Finally, they were shown the science behind the candles, where they add the scent and test its longevity. They have a dedicated technician who handles this process, and interestingly, he had worked his way up through the business. The St Eval Candle Company, which started as a farm and developed over time into an impressive sustainable candle company, values educating their staff and helping them progress within the organisation to retain talent.

Charlotte Clarke from the Education Business Partnership said: “It was a very interesting experience and fascinating to learn how what started as a mere farm has transformed into such a successful business. The company not only advocates for STEM learning but also actively encourages people to pursue STEM careers within Cornwall.”

“It was a fascinating journey into the history of a successful business, combined with an extremely interesting insight into the science behind candle making,” Charlotte added. “It was great to see the rapid growth within the company and, in particular, the investment they make in their staff which promotes both loyalty and productivity.

“We hope to continue our collaboration with St Eval candles. They are keen to encourage and inspire young people to investigate manufacturing opportunities and roles within the industry, not only in Cornwall, but internationally too.”

The ASK Programme, delivered by Cornwall Education Business Partnership, continues to offer independent and bespoke support.

Recently George Slater from the EBP delivered an Apprenticeship Workshop, giving an insight into the benefits of apprenticeships, how to find an apprenticeship that’s right for you, and how students might consider this as an option in the future. This led on to how students can better prepare themselves for employment.

A recruitment centre scenario was set to demonstrate how some employers recruit candidates. Students were set a challenge of building a tower with a budget showcasing their teamwork, ability to follow instructions, problem-solving, and communication. The students were split into six teams and given a specific set of instructions.

“It is really rewarding to receive positive feedback about our workshops, and we also recently featured in the Mounts Bay Academy newsletter. Apprenticeships are amazing!” (George Slater)

Assessment Centres are becoming increasingly common as organisations look for the best candidates to join their teams. The opportunity to participate gives students a taste of typical activities, along with signposting towards further resources and a chance to consider and discuss their future aspirations.

To find out more check out Amazing Apprenticeships or The ASK programme (apprenticeships.gov.uk) or contact AskCornwall@cornwall.gov.uk

Alfie, a young individual who was referred to Cornwall Council in search of outdoor employment, has achieved success following an interview held at Mount Pleasant Eco Park.

The Education Business Partnership’s dedicated Youth Engagement Officer collaborated with Alfie to understand his preferences and enhance his CV.

Following this, Alfie was then passed to the Youth Employment Officer who refined his interview skills and identified a suitable position, ultimately connecting him with the Eco Park who were looking for a general site maintenance worker.

On the condition of a successful trial shift, Alfie will be offered two days a week initially, with potential for a third day, contributing to the day-to-day operations of the Eco Park.

His responsibilities will include supporting various activities including managing the campsite and allotments maintenance, overseeing indoor and outdoor events spaces, and assisting in the setup and dismantling of the renowned Tropical Pressure Festival.

General Manager Claire Marshall said: “We believe Alfie will thrive on our site nestled on the cliffs above Porthtowan. He brings a lot of skill to the role after working with his uncle on his far, such as using power tools and operating agricultural machinery. We hope he can learn new skills and develop his confidence during his time with us and are excited for him to start.”

Alfie will still have access to all of the resources YEP can offer through the Council and various other partners.

Enterprise Activity

Enterprise Excellence: Supported Work Experience

Exciting Enterprise Activity Alert!

On Friday 24th May, students @Brannel School, explored the world of innovation and problem-solving with the LEGO Spike Essential system, with George from The Education Business Partnership (EBP).

As part of their supported work experience programme, they tackled a range of challenges, from building robots to mastering coding skills. This was a culmination of a full week of activities to inspire and motivate pupils.

Click here to watch more!

The pupils kicked off with a simple build and code task to introduce the students to the kit. They assembled:

- A helicopter with moving rotor blades and a searchlight

- A mini golf robot game with built in celebration

- A wildlife detection system with colour sensor and custom alerts

A fairground marble maze with light and sound effects

The students excelled, so we upped the ante with a thrilling mission: designing and constructing remote control vehicles for a live-action version of rocket league! They tweaked their vehicles for maximum competitiveness and fine-tuned the coding interface to tackle navigation challenges.

They enjoyed demonstrating their teamwork, problem solving, communication, coding, creativity and so much more - a great way to round of their Supported Work Experience week.

Cooking Extravaganza!

Today an inspirational culinary class was conducted with Mark Lewin from Cornwall Hospitality Collective and Truro and Penwith College alongside the Manager of The Tallend Bay Hotel, Jack Ashby-Wright.

EBP, generously funded by The Royal Society of Chemistry, is committed to delivering workshops that actively engage students in exploring future career paths. In partnership with Liskeard School and Community College, the aim is to cultivate enthusiasm among students for the fascinating realm of chemistry and its diverse career prospects. During the session with Cornwall Hospitality Collective and Tallend Bay Hotel, students acquired valuable front-of-house skills and insights into delivering five-star dining experiences.

The session was purely focused on front of house skills. Etiquette, customer service, team work, communication and building confidence, which are important transferable skills. Mark and Jack promoted not just full-time careers in their profession but also meaningful part time work experience for those looking to build skills and add to their CV.

Jack and Mark cooked off some quality bacon and prepped lettuce, tomatoes and brioche buns whilst talking about careers and training.

The pupils got to lay their own place settings, serve their fellow pupils and were challenged to see who could make the best BLT. Jack and Mark also taught them how to pour sparkling grape juice around the table.

It was a delight to see all pupils come out of their shells and get involved. This proved to be an inspirational way to show them there are great careers in the hospitality profession.

Jack has now formed a relationship with the school and is working on taking the school and it's pupils to the hotel.

Mark and Jack

Mark in Action

Delicious Delights

Cheers to Chemistry!

Since September 2022, Cornwall Education Business Partnership has been responsible for delivering The ASK Programme across Cornwall & Isles of Scilly. This offers educational establishments in England (with students in years 10 – 13) access to a free, bespoke support package to transform apprenticeship and technical education awareness activities so that students, parents and carers, teachers, careers advisers and governors can be informed about the wonderful opportunities available.

To date, we have worked with 47 establishments - including schools, college campuses, alternative provision, specialist provision and post 16 sites for learners aged 16-24 with an EHCP. Staff feedback this year has been 100% Excellent for the activity overall.

A total of 320 activities have been completed, ranging from Awareness Assemblies, to Find An Apprenticeship registration workshops and practical small group sessions covering Application/CV Writing, Mock Assessment Centres and Interview Skills.

We have also worked with two designated specialist schools to trial innovative new forms of delivery, through the ASK Development School programme. Using our STEM Expertise we have been able to build confidence and awareness through a range of industry related challenges that promote teamwork, communication, problem solving and so much more, in a fun and interactive way. The lessons learned and session structure can they be deployed into other settings to improve outcomes for a wider audience.

More than 11,600 students engaged so far - and we still have bookings for the final term of the 23/24 Academic Year.

For more information, please e-mail AskCornwall@cornwall.gov.uk,check out Amazing Apprenticeships or The ASK programme (apprenticeships.gov.uk).

We were delighted to be a part of this year’s Logo League regional final at RNAS Culdrose in March, where teams were competing for the chance to qualify for the National and International finals.

Over 600 students from 60 primary and secondary schools descended on 736 Squadron Hanger sporting school colours and specially made hoodies to represent their corner of Cornwall and take part in what, for hundreds of children, is the highlight of the year.

FIRST LEGO League Challenge is a global STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) challenge for teams of 9 to 16 year olds. Young people taking part work together to explore a given topic and to design, build and program an autonomous LEGO robot.

The day, jointly organised by Royal Navy and Cornwall Council, featured a science show from the fantastic Mad Science SW team, demonstrations and robotics aplenty, with students making the hanger their base for the day.

“I just can’t believe I’m here! I’ve loved taking part in everything, it’s just such a great day.” (Ashton, from St Day School)

LEGO league is an extracurricular opportunity for students to develop skills in problem solving, computer programming, teamwork, self-confidence, and time management.

The event also encourages more girls into STEM, with 41% of participants being female.

Students had the opportunity to network and engage with a number of organisations including Tec Girls, Cognition, Raising Robots, Lockheed Martin, Royal Navy, Falmouth University, Spaceport Cornwall and Software Cornwall.

“Lego League drives brilliant life skills - a brilliant introduction to STEM activities." (Lieutenant Commander Richard Turrell, Royal Navy)

A big thank you to our event sponsors: The Institute of Engineering and Technology (The IET), Lockheed Martin, Leonardo UK Ltd, Soroptimist International ( St Austell and District), Serco and Morwind Ltd.

Watch highlights from the day below!

George Slater is the ASK project lead for EBP and recently supported and inspired the pupils of Kehelland College.

One of the benefits of attending careers events to represent The ASK Programme is the opportunity to network with other stakeholders, and one example is Kehelland College. Having heard about our work on the Development School programme, they requested support and we were able to deliver a bespoke session that:

• Gave an overview of apprenticeships using the dedicated SEND resources from Amazing Apprenticeships
• Moved onto a Lego Robotics challenge where the 11 participants worked in teams to build and customise their own vehicles.
• Used their coding skills to create movement, sound effects and navigate - all using problem solving and team work to great effect.
• Rounded off with the wonderful This is my story video and a chance for questions.

They have posted about it here and completed a case study that is shared with the DfE to help measure the impact of The ASK Programme.

Some quotes: "George came into our third-year lesson and spoke about apprenticeships and set up a Lego car STEM task, he then showed an amazing video, showing young people with disabilities, who are were speaking about their apprenticeship, this was particularly relevant for our young people and gave them to see other young people like themselves achieving through the apprenticeship scheme. One young person has applied for an apprenticeship and a further two are going to speak with their work experience employers, to see if they would consider offering them an apprenticeship."