Strategic Outreach

DANCOP is working in collaboration with individual schools to develop bespoke projects aimed at increasing engagement with education and progression to further and higher education. We will be collaborating with our FE and HE partners to support schools and learners from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities to experience different educational environments.

These projects will focus on community cohesion to develop an increased sense of belonging within education and an understanding of the different routes available.

We are developing bespoke programmes of activity with schools in collaboration with our partners and third parties. We aim to provide further tailored support in exploring career pathways, personal development, raising aspirations and deciding next steps.

Discover the Dramatic Arts is a fantastic project which works in collaboration with Derby Theatre, giving young people the opportunity to co-create a curtain raiser, performed in front of a live audience. Alongside this, we will explore the variety of roles associated in Theatre Arts, including stage management, set design, tech and more.

To bring the project to life, we have the unique opportunity this year to work alongside Robin Hood, and will be involved in each step of the production. Professionals will be around to answer questions, and current students at University of Derby will be involved to ensure a bridge between education pathways and future careers.

DANCOP is working in collaboration with the local authority to identify local schools with high numbers of service children. Service children are those who have a parent or primary carer who is currently serving in the regular or reserve armed forces, or who has served at some stage during the child’s lifetime. Schools are granted additional funding from the government as part of the Service Pupil Premium, in order to have the resources to support these young people. We are collaborating with our FE and HE partners, as well as organisations such as the Army Welfare Service to design a programme of activities and workshops for KS3 learners from military families, looking to address the challenges that are at the centre of their learning journey. If you’d like to discuss work with your Service pupils, please get in touch.

A ‘Pathways to High Education’ programme that offers face to face support for refugees wanting to apply to higher education is being developed by DANCOP and partners. The details of the programme are still being finalised but will be launched early 2023.

DANCOP is going to be working with pre-entry learners of black heritage to run workshops, sessions and mentoring which will aim to support learners to transition onto higher education and equip them with the skills and knowledge to do so to the best of their ability. DANCOP will work with a third partner to assist with delivery of the various sections of the programme and will look at hosting the learners in an empowering venue.