We want to nurture positive, independent individuals who are going to be able to make a valuable contribution to society.
Our vision is that, by 2020, primary school children who have taken part in Open Futures will be progressing through the education system with a greater knowledge and understanding of the world around them, a love of learning and the skills, aspirations, confidence and values to make the most of their adult lives.
A desire to fulfil that sense of opportunity has driven Open Futures ever since its inception, though as the programme has evolved its core goals and values have crystallised further.
Open Futures allows primary school children to learn practical skills, discover personal interests and develop values that make them excited about learning and what they can achieve in the future, benefitting their adult relationships and working lives. It aims to introduce children to new interests and cultures, to encourage them to think for themselves and help them become informed and active people who contribute to the community and have genuine respect for themselves and for others.
Open Futures aims to:
- Involve parents in strategies to promote healthy eating, including encouraging young children to grow their own vegetables and fruit and then prepare and cook food for themselves
- Ensure that children have the appropriate skills, attitudes and confidence to become active, enthusiastic and independent learners
- Help children to make a positive contribution to society and to understand and appreciate the value of cultural diversity
- Increase motivation and interest in learning, and thereby improving attendance and behaviour
- Support the raising of attainment at Key Stages 1 and 2 in literacy, numeracy, science and ICT in the context of a broad, rich and enjoyable curriculum for all pupils
- Help to develop inclusive and enterprising schools that are able to forge stronger links with their local communities
