AN AMBITIOUS project to provide enhanced learning opportunities for more able and talented students from schools across two counties has been hailed a success.

The Alumni MAT Network was set up in January this year by Jason Newham, the MAT lead for Flintshire and Wrexham.

It aims to facilitate collaborative working with all secondary schools in both counties to provide enrichment beyond the classroom for students aged 11 to 16.

The network will also encourage membership of former MAT students to give inspirational talks and share their life experiences with current students.

Supported by GwE, the Regional School Effectiveness and Improvement Service for North Wales, the network organises large scale events for students for all schools who are members of Alumni.

A Seren Network, funded by the Welsh Government, supports sixth form students to achieve their full academic potential and access the UK’s most prestigious universities.

In the future, the Welsh Government plans to invest in supporting younger more able and talented students.

By offering additional experiences for MAT learners in this age group now, the Alumni Network is providing a head start for local students.

Since the group was set up, twenty schools have joined and more than three hundred students have benefited from accessing events to stretch and challenge the most able learner.

Mr Newham works in conjunction with MAT Co-ordinators from each school to plan and organise a stimulating calendar of events.

The latest event held at Theatr Clwyd saw a hundred and twenty students take part in a communication workshop designed to develop interview technique skills applicable to further education and the world of work.

Mr Newham, who also has responsibility for MAT provision at Flint High School, said: “This is an extremely exciting time for young MAT learners from the region.

"We are all working together to offer bespoke opportunities that will, we hope, add another dimension to their journey through school and help maintain their motivation and quest for new knowledge.

“This is truly a team effort by all my colleagues who are part of Alumni.

"We meet regularly to plan engaging and innovative experiences, and, as part of this process, we share good practice about how to improve our own MAT provision and the latest ideas for teaching the brightest in our schools.

“An important part of Alumni is that we have set up strong links with universities and local businesses to encourage students to aim high and to instil the belief that they can, and will, have a successful future."

Pam McClean, a representative from GwE, said: “We are delighted with the rapid progress this MAT group has made in such a short period of time.

"The engagement and commitment from all the schools is a testament to their passion for wanting to provide further learning experiences for MAT students.”